Artwork

Alphonso, King of Castile

Alphonso, King of Castile, by William Rogers, ink, 1602
Alphonso, King of Castile, by William Rogers, ink, 1602

Alphonso, King of Castile is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Rogers. It dates from 1602 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Alphonso, King of Castile is a 1602 engraving by William Rogers, depicting a historical figure in detailed armor, set against an ornate background.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving portrays a bearded, armored man identified as Alphonso, King of Castile, holding a sword and a small ball, symbols potentially alluding to military power and sovereignty.

Technique & Style

Rogers employed fine lines and nuanced shading to achieve textured depth, particularly in the armor, characteristic of the engraving medium's capacity for intricate detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1602 by William Rogers, specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects the Renaissance interest in historical figures and meticulous representation, with the archway and landscape elements adding to the period's aesthetic sensibilities.

Legacy

The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent art or historical representation is not specified in the given details, highlighting a need for further contextual research.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.