Artwork

Charles Howard, First Earl of Nottingham

Charles Howard, First Earl of Nottingham, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621
Charles Howard, First Earl of Nottingham, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621

Charles Howard, First Earl of Nottingham is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The details in his outfit and the background are very precise, which is interesting because it suggests the artist paid close attention to realism.

This painting shows a man in formal attire, likely from the 17th century.
He's dressed in fancy clothes and has a serious expression.
The details in his outfit and the background are very precise, which is interesting because it suggests the artist paid close attention to realism.

The artist used a lot of fine lines to create texture and depth in the image.
This level of detail is notable, and it suggests the artist was skilled at engraving.

You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique: engraving.

Overview

This print is an engraving of Charles Howard, First Earl of Nottingham, created by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man in formal 17th-century attire, conveying a sense of seriousness. The level of detail in his clothing and the background suggests a focus on realism, likely intended to accurately represent the subject.

Technique & Style

The engraving features fine lines that create texture and depth, demonstrating the artist's skill with the medium. The precise details are characteristic of engraving, a technique that allows for intricate renderings.

Context

To understand the style and technique used in this print, further exploration of engraving as an art form may be helpful.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Simon van de Passe

Artist

Simon van de Passe

Simon van de Passe (1595–1647) was an artist, born in Cologne.

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