Artwork
Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel
Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas Emil Vorsterman. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1635 copperplate engraving, executed by Lucas Emil Vorsterman, depicts Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel. The portrait presents the nobleman in a dark robe trimmed with a white collar, his curly hair and full beard rendered with fine line work. He gazes directly at the viewer, set against a subdued, textured background that emphasizes the facial features.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on Howard’s dignified presence, highlighting his status through attire and posture. The direct eye contact suggests confidence and authority, while the simplicity of the setting draws attention to his personal attributes rather than any narrative scene, reflecting the early‑modern interest in individual portraiture as a record of identity.
Technique & Style
Vorsterman employed intricate line engraving to model the curls of hair, the texture of the beard, and the folds of the dark robe. The contrast between the deep, stippled background and the sharply defined facial details creates a three‑dimensional effect typical of Dutch and Flemish printmaking in the early 17th century.
History & Provenance
Created in 1635, the print was likely produced for circulation among collectors and patrons interested in English aristocracy. Copies of the engraving have appeared in several 17th‑century portrait collections, and the work remains documented in major print catalogues, confirming its attribution to Vorsterman and its association with the Howard family.
Artist & collection
Artist
etching and engraving by Lucas Vorsterman II, NGA 10762), B1977.14.10539 - Yale etc
