Artwork

Anne of Denmark

Anne of Denmark, by William Sherwin, ink, 1678
Anne of Denmark, by William Sherwin, ink, 1678

Anne of Denmark is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Sherwin. It dates from 1678 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

William Sherwin’s 1678 engraving presents a solitary female figure dressed in an elaborate gown, accentuated by a wide waist bow and a floral adornment on her left shoulder. Her hair is styled in loose curls pulled back from the face. The composition is set against a draped curtain and a patterned wall, creating a layered spatial effect.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait likely represents a noblewoman, possibly a member of the royal household, as suggested by the luxurious attire and the careful attention to decorative details. The inclusion of the bow and flower may allude to contemporary fashions of the late seventeenth century, emphasizing status and femininity.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine line engraving, Sherwin renders the folds of the dress and the textures of the background with precise hatching and cross‑hatching. The intricate rendering of fabric and surface treatment reflects the Baroque emphasis on richness and movement, while the clear, controlled lines demonstrate the printmaker’s technical skill.

History & Provenance

Created in 1678, the print is attributed to William Sherwin, a noted English engraver active in the latter half of the seventeenth century. The work survives in several museum collections, indicating its circulation among collectors of portrait prints during the period following its publication.

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.