Artwork
John, Lord Somers
John, Lord Somers is an ink print by the Baroque artist Richardson, Sr., Jonathan. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jonathan Richardson Senior’s 1705 etching presents John, Lord Somers, rendered on laid paper. The print captures the sitter’s dignified bearing, emphasizing his curly hair, high‑collared shirt, and a quill held in his right hand. The composition is framed by a warm, beige ground that subtly supports the figure.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait conveys the status and intellectual pursuits of Lord Somers, a prominent early‑18th‑century statesman. The inclusion of the quill suggests his involvement in legislative or literary affairs, while his serious expression reflects the gravitas associated with his public role.
Technique & Style
Richardson employed a combination of etching and drypoint, allowing for fine cross‑hatching and deep shadows that model the face and garments. The interplay of line and tone creates a tactile surface, giving the paper a sense of depth and three‑dimensionality uncommon in many contemporary prints.
History & Provenance
Created in 1705, the work was likely produced for private circulation among Lord Somers’s acquaintances. It has since entered public collections, where it serves as an example of early Georgian portrait printmaking and of Richardson’s contribution to the medium.
Context
The print belongs to the late Baroque period in England, a time when portraiture increasingly combined realistic detail with subtle allegorical elements. Richardson’s approach reflects the era’s interest in capturing both the physical likeness and the intellectual stature of its subjects.
Artist & collection
William Petyt, Keeper of the Records in the Tower
Sir Peter Lely
Portrait of a Man
William Trumbull
Denzil, First Baron Holles
Self-Portrait
Dr. John Browne
William Johnston, Marquess of Annandale
Honore Courtin
Portrait of Dominicus Rosmale, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1677