Henrici VIII Angliae, Franciae et Hiberniam Rex (King Henry VIII)
1608
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1608
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white engraving shows a man in fancy 16th-century clothes—ruffled collar, chainmail, and a sword. His face is serious, almost stern, with a neatly trimmed beard. Around him, swirling text and tiny symbols (like crowns and stars) frame his portrait like a decorative border. The words around him praise his power and wisdom, but the details are small and hard to read. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the fabric and metal look real. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made sharp, detailed prints.
