Artwork
Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Above the sitter a scroll bears the Latin inscriptions “VERA EFFIGIES” and “IN WOOD,” identifying the work as a true likeness executed in woodcut technique.
Simon van de Passe’s 1634 engraving presents Sir Walter Raleigh in a formal portrait. Rendered in monochrome, the image shows a bearded gentleman dressed in elaborate early‑seventeenth‑century attire, including a ruff collar and a decorative chain. Above the sitter a scroll bears the Latin inscriptions “VERA EFFIGIES” and “IN WOOD,” identifying the work as a true likeness executed in woodcut technique.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Raleigh as a figure of status and exploration, emphasizing his dignified bearing through sumptuous clothing and the inclusion of a heraldic chain. The Latin phrase “VERA EFFIGIES” (true likeness) underscores the intent to convey an accurate representation, while the accompanying “IN WOOD” signals the medium’s authenticity, aligning the image with contemporary practices of commemorating notable individuals.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employed fine cross‑hatching, a method of intersecting lines that builds tonal depth and imparts a three‑dimensional quality to the facial features. This meticulous line work, characteristic of early modern engravings, allows subtle gradations of light and shadow despite the absence of color, creating a sense of volume within the flat plane of the print.
History & Provenance
Created in 1634, the engraving belongs to the broader output of the van de Passe family, renowned for portrait prints circulated across Europe. While specific ownership records are limited, the work likely served as a printed portrait for distribution among patrons and admirers of Raleigh, reflecting the period’s demand for portable, reproducible images of prominent figures.
Artist & collection
