Roger Assham and Mary Surrounded by MedallianPortraits
1682
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1682
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Roger Assham and Mary Surrounded by MedallianPortraits is a 1682 ink by Michael Burghers, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a man and woman standing in a doorway, dressed in old-fashioned clothes. Around them are nine small portraits in oval frames, each labeled with a name like *Demosthenes* or *Maria Regina*. The background has a textured, woven look, and the whole scene feels like a mix of real people and historical figures. The woman holds a book, while the man points at it. The small portraits include bearded men, kings, and a queen—some look serious, others thoughtful. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, making the faces stand out. Next, check out how this was made with engraving.
