Artwork
Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simon van de Passe. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sir Walter Raleigh is an engraving created by Simon van de Passe in 1687, portraying the titular figure in a detailed black-and-white format.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Sir Walter Raleigh, a knight, dressed in attire characteristic of his time, including a ruff collar and a chain, holding a paper, likely symbolizing his literary or navigational pursuits. The image is described as a 'true and lively portraiture', emphasizing its intended accuracy.
Technique & Style
The work is an example of engraving, a technique involving carving lines into metal to produce detailed prints. The composition features a simple background, a decorative border, and surrounding Latin text, reflecting the stylistic elements common in 17th-century portrait engravings.
History & Provenance
Created in 1687 by Simon van de Passe, the engraving's provenance details are not specified in the available information, focusing instead on its creation and subject.
Context
The engraving reflects the 17th-century practice of creating detailed, supposedly accurate portraits of notable figures through engraving, facilitating wider dissemination of images of historical personalities.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this engraving are not provided, it contributes to the broader historical record of Sir Walter Raleigh's visual representation and the artistic techniques of its time.
Artist & collection
