Artwork
John Selden
John Selden is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert White. It dates from 1683 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1683 engraving by Robert White portrays John Selden, a renowned English jurist and scholar, in a profile view. The work exemplifies the late 17th-century English tradition of intricately detailed portrait prints.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts John Selden with a serious expression, looking straight ahead, adorned with curly hair and a dark collar. The image is framed within a circular border with ornate details, emphasizing Selden's scholarly and judicial stature.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the engraving is characteristic of White's style, derived from his pencil-on-vellum portrait drawings. Trained under David Loggan, White's technique reflects the precision and finesse of English portrait engraving during this period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1683 by Robert White, the engraving is signed 'R. White fect' (fecit). While specific ownership histories are not provided, it is attributed to the English portrait engraving tradition of the late 1600s.
Context
This work sits within the broader context of 17th-century English art, where detailed portrait prints were highly valued for their accuracy and aesthetic appeal, often serving to commemorate notable figures like Selden.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert White (1645 – 1703) was an English draughtsman and engraver. A Londoner, he was a pupil of David Loggan, and became a leading portrait engraver. White was celebrated for his original portraits, drawn in pencil on…
