Artwork

Henry Wriothersley, Third Earl of Southampton

Henry Wriothersley, Third Earl of Southampton, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1617
Henry Wriothersley, Third Earl of Southampton, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1617

Henry Wriothersley, Third Earl of Southampton is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This engraving features a man with curly hair and a beard, wearing a lace collar and a dark jacket adorned with intricate designs.

This engraving features a man with curly hair and a beard, wearing a lace collar and a dark jacket adorned with intricate designs. He holds a sword at his side, and a coat of arms is visible at the top of the image.

The man's attire and the coat of arms suggest that he is a noble or aristocrat, possibly from the 17th century. The level of detail in the engraving indicates that it was created with great care and attention.

The use of cross-hatching in this engraving adds depth and texture to the image, making it a striking example of Baroque art. If you're interested in learning more about this style, you might want to explore the work of Passe, Simon van de.

Overview

This 1617 engraving by Simon van de Passe portrays Henry Wriothersley, Third Earl of Southampton, capturing his likeness in meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted with a beard, curly hair, lace collar, and ornately designed dark jacket, alongside a sword and a visible coat of arms, unequivocally conveying his noble status.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases Baroque characteristics through the use of cross-hatching, which imparts depth and rich texture to the image, highlighting the artist's craftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Created in 1617, specific provenance details are not provided, though the work is attributed to Simon van de Passe, a known engraver of the period.

Context

The piece reflects the artistic tastes of the early 17th century, aligning with the Baroque movement's emphasis on detail and symbolism of status.

Legacy

While the broader impact of this specific engraving is not detailed, it contributes to the oeuvre of Simon van de Passe and the documentation of English nobility in art.

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.