Artwork
Philip Herbert, Fourth Earl of Pembroke
Philip Herbert, Fourth Earl of Pembroke is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Robert van Voerst. It dates from 1616 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This engraving, dated 1616, portrays Philip Herbert, Fourth Earl of Pembroke, in a formal, black-and-white portrait. Created by Robert van Voerst, the work captures the Earl's likeness with meticulous attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Philip Herbert, is depicted with a serious expression, adorned with symbols of his status: a ruffled collar and a decorative chain bearing a round medal. His pose, with one hand on his chest and the other holding a paper, conveys a sense of contemplation and intellectual pursuits.
Technique & Style
Van Voerst utilized fine lines and shading techniques characteristic of engraving to achieve textured renderings of the Earl's curly hair, beard, and elaborate attire. The visible etched lines underscore the medium's unique capabilities in creating depth and shadow.
History & Provenance
While the engraving's creation is well-documented (1616 by Robert van Voerst), specific details regarding its ownership history and exhibition record are not provided in the available information.
Context
Produced in 1616, this engraving reflects the portrait conventions of its time, blending realism with symbolic elements of nobility. It aligns with the era's appreciation for detailed, black-and-white prints as a means of disseminating likenesses of prominent figures.
Legacy
As a precise and detailed example of early 17th-century engraving, this portrait contributes to the understanding of the medium's technical evolution and its role in representing European nobility during that period.
Artist & collection
