Who painted Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester?

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

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 Renaissance.

Artwork

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Edward Somerset, Fourth Earl of Worcester 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. This 1621 copperplate engraving presents Edward Somerset, the fourth Earl of Worcester, in a formal portrait.

About this work

Overview

This 1621 copperplate engraving presents Edward Somerset, the fourth Earl of Worcester, in a formal portrait. Rendered in monochrome, the image captures the nobleman’s dignified bearing, highlighted by a white beard, ruffled collar, and an elaborately embroidered coat. He holds a small object in his right hand, while a heraldic shield with a crown and Latin inscription crowns the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait emphasizes Somerset’s aristocratic status through visual cues such as the ornate attire and the accompanying coat of arms. The Latin motto, displayed on a decorative scroll, reinforces his lineage and authority. The object he grasps, though modest in size, may symbolize a personal attribute or office, underscoring the sitter’s identity beyond mere likeness.

Technique & Style

The black‑and‑white palette highlights the contrast between light and shadow, a hallmark of the period’s printmaking.

Executed by Simon van de Passe, the work exemplifies early‑17th‑century engraving practices. Van de Passe employed fine line work to render intricate details—such as the embroidered sleeves and the delicate scrollwork of the heraldic device—while using cross‑hatching to model form and convey texture. The black‑and‑white palette highlights the contrast between light and shadow, a hallmark of the period’s printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621, the engraving was produced shortly after Somerset’s elevation to the earldom. Simon van de Passe, a prominent Dutch engraver active in England, signed the plate, ensuring attribution. The print circulated among the aristocracy and collectors, serving both as a commemorative image and as a means of disseminating the Earl’s likeness across his estates.

Context

The portrait aligns with the broader trend of portraiture in early Stuart England, where engraved likenesses functioned as status symbols and political statements. Van de Passe’s work contributed to the visual culture of the court, offering a reproducible format that could be displayed in private chambers or public galleries, reinforcing the social hierarchy of the time.