Who painted Sir William Davenant?

Sir William Davenant was painted by Unknown in 1850.

Where can I see Sir William Davenant?

Sir William Davenant is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Sir William Davenant

Sir William Davenant is a print by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This portrait print depicts Sir William Davenant, a renowned figure who held the office of Poet Laureate until his death in 1668 at the age of 62. The work is a reduced-scale copy of an original print by William Faithorne, executed on paper.

Subject & Meaning

Sir William Davenant is portrayed with a serious expression, his face turned slightly to the right. A laurel wreath adorns his head, symbolizing honor and respect, reflecting his esteemed position as Poet Laureate.

Technique & Style

The print features a simple, dark oval framing Davenant's shoulders against a plain background, focusing attention on the subject. The overall design and execution are characteristic of 17th-century portrait prints, with noticeable wear on the edges indicative of its age.

History & Provenance

Originally created by William Faithorne, this is a smaller copy of the original print. The current location and full provenance of this specific copy are not detailed here, though comparable works can be found in institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.