Who painted Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester?

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1618.

Where can I see Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester?

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester?

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester

Simon van de Passe , 1618

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1618 engraving by Simon van de Passe depicts Edward Somerset, the fourth Earl of Worcester. Rendered in black and white, the print shows the elderly nobleman with a full white beard, elaborate robes, and a ruffled collar. A small object rests in his right hand, while a crown and Latin inscription frame his head, and his name appears below in a classic serif script.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents Somerset as a dignified figure of the English aristocracy, emphasizing his status through the ornate clothing and the crown motif above his head. The Latin legend, likely a title or honorific, reinforces his noble rank, while the object he holds may allude to a personal attribute or office, a common convention in early‑modern portraiture.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe employs fine, intersecting lines and cross‑hatching to model light and shadow, giving the face a subtle three‑dimensionality. The intricate patterns on the sleeves and the texture of the fabric are achieved through delicate stippling, characteristic of early 17th‑century engraving. The overall effect balances precise detail with a restrained tonal range.

History & Provenance

Created in 1618, the print was likely commissioned to commemorate Somerset’s elevation to the earldom or a specific courtly event. Copies of the engraving circulated among collectors of portrait prints in the Dutch Republic and England, reflecting the period’s demand for portable images of prominent figures.

Context

Simon van de Passe, a member of the renowned Passe family of engravers, worked in the Netherlands and England, producing portraits for the aristocracy and royalty. This work aligns with the broader trend of transnational portrait exchange, where continental engravers rendered English nobles for both local and foreign audiences.