Portrait of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey
Original title: Portrait of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey
kurzbeschreibung
Jacob Houbraken produced this 1733 portrait of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, using etching and engraving. The nobleman appears within an oval frame, dressed in a robe and wearing a medal, against a restrained background.
Description
An oval portrait of the Earl forms the focal point of the sheet. He wears a dark robe with fur trim; a medal hangs around his neck. His hair is curly, his stubble neatly groomed. In front lie a rolled-up document with a coat of arms, a relief with a figure, and another relief with an angel. On the left side, an additional relief with a figure appears. The background stays plain, the palette monochrome, the etching sharp and detailed.
Context
Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, ranked among the leading English art collectors of the 17th century. The Dutch engraver Jacob Houbraken made this portrait in 1733 as part of a series of likenesses of famous individuals. An older painting by Peter Paul Rubens showing Howard served as the model. Houbraken's precise portrait engravings circulated widely in England.
Impact
The oval framing and delicate lines lend the portrait a dignified, elegant presence. The dark robe and accessories underscore the sitter's high social rank. The monochrome technique draws attention to the facial features and the details of the clothing.
Technique
Combining etching and engraving allows for fine lines and precise shading. Houbraken used them to bring out the texture of the fur and the details of the medal in a sculptural way. The plate was presumably reworked several times to achieve the desired depth and detail.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)