Artwork

Sir Philip Sidney, Soldier and Poet

Sir Philip Sidney, Soldier and Poet, by Magdalena van de Passe, ink, 1620
Sir Philip Sidney, Soldier and Poet, by Magdalena van de Passe, ink, 1620

Sir Philip Sidney, Soldier and Poet is an ink print by the Baroque artist Magdalena van de Passe. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sir Philip Sidney, Soldier and Poet is a 1620 engraving by Magdalena van de Passe, presenting a formal portrait of the subject.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Sir Philip Sidney with a serious expression, his face framed by curly hair and an ornate ruff collar. Inscriptions around the edges include the phrase 'Vita brevis' and a Latin poem, adding context to the image.

Technique & Style

Fine lines are used to create shading and texture, particularly on the subject's ruff and hair, exemplifying the detailed linework characteristic of engraving.

Context

Engraving was a technique used to produce sharp, repeatable images before the advent of photography, relying on etching metal plates to create prints.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.