Alexander More
1601
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1601
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This is a black-and-white portrait of a serious-looking man in a dark robe. He has curly hair, a short beard, and a hand resting on his chest. Behind him, a draped curtain and a shelf with a small bust or statue are visible. The lines are sharp and detailed, showing folds in his clothing and the texture of the fabric. The text around the image is in Latin, praising the man’s intelligence and skills. This kind of detailed portrait was common in the Renaissance, when artists focused on capturing a person’s character through their face and pose. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this created sharp, precise images using just ink and metal plates.