Artwork
Thomas, First Baron Coventry
Thomas, First Baron Coventry 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 portrays Thomas Coventry, the first Baron Coventry, in formal attire. Rendered in black and white, the print captures a dignified figure seated at a small table, his hands holding a book and a ring, while decorative swirls and Latin inscriptions frame his visage.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait identifies Coventry as a senior English official, emphasizing his status through elaborate clothing—a wide-brimmed hat, ruff collar, and buttoned coat—and the inclusion of symbols such as the book, suggesting learning, and the ring, indicating authority. The surrounding Latin terms, including "Honoratissimus" and "Justus," reinforce his esteemed and just reputation.
Technique & Style
Executed with fine engraving lines, van de Passe employs precise hatching and cross‑hatching to model the textures of fabric and flesh. The contrast between deep shadows and delicate stippling creates depth, while the ornamental swirls and lettering demonstrate the printmaker’s skill in integrating decorative elements with portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1621, the print reflects the early‑17th‑century demand for engraved portraits of notable figures. As a work by the Dutch engraver van de Passe, it likely circulated among English aristocratic circles, serving both as a visual record of Coventry’s rank and as a collectible item for patrons of the emerging print market.
Artist & collection
