Artwork

Thomas May, Poet and Historian

Thomas May, Poet and Historian, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1655
Thomas May, Poet and Historian, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1655

Thomas May, Poet and Historian is an ink print by the Baroque artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This engraving is a black-and-white portrait of Thomas May, identified by the inscription 'Thomas May Esq' below the image.

About this work

Overview

This engraving is a black-and-white portrait of Thomas May, identified by the inscription 'Thomas May Esq' below the image.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man with curly hair and a short beard, dressed in a dark robe, with a quill pen in his right hand and a book or paper under his left. The age 'Atatis Sua 55' suggests the subject was 55 years old when the work was created.

Technique & Style

The engraving features fine lines and shading, characteristic of a detailed and traditional printmaking style.

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.