Artwork
Thomas Holcroft
Thomas Holcroft is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Ridley. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The artist used tiny dots and lines to create the image—this is called stipple engraving.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man with short hair and a high-collared coat. His face is serious, and he’s framed inside a round, dotted border. The background is plain, so all the focus stays on him.
The name "Thomas Holcroft, Esq." is written below, and the print was published in 1799. The artist used tiny dots and lines to create the image—this is called stipple engraving.
Next, look up engraving to see how artists build up shadows and light with just dots.
Overview
This print is a portrait of Thomas Holcroft, created through the stipple engraving technique. It was published in 1799 by William Ridley.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Thomas Holcroft, identified by the inscription 'Thomas Holcroft, Esq.' below the image. He is shown with a serious expression, wearing a high-collared coat, within a circular border.
Technique & Style
The image is achieved through stipple engraving, using tiny dots and lines to create the portrait. This technique allows for the build-up of shadows and light through the varying density of dots.
Artist & collection
