Artwork
Medallion Portrait of Man in Ruff and Pointed Beard
Medallion Portrait of Man in Ruff and Pointed Beard 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
Overview
Simon van de Passe’s 1621 engraving presents a compact, circular portrait of a man framed by a plain background. Rendered in fine lines, the image captures the sitter’s head and shoulders, emphasizing the distinctive ruff and sharply pointed beard that characterize early‑seventeenth‑century male fashion.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown in a three‑quarter view, his gaze directed outward with a solemn, contemplative expression. The direct eye contact and restrained demeanor suggest a portrait intended to convey the sitter’s status and personal gravitas rather than narrative storytelling.
Technique & Style
Executed with meticulous line work, the engraving employs delicate hatching and cross‑hatching to model facial features and the texture of the ruff. The artist’s control of line density creates subtle tonal variations, lending the portrait a convincing sense of depth despite its monochrome medium.
History & Provenance
Created by the Dutch engraver Simon van de Passe in 1621, the print belongs to a period when portrait engravings served both as personal likenesses and as disseminated images of notable individuals. The work is catalogued among van de Passe’s oeuvre, which includes a range of portraiture and decorative prints.
Artist & collection
