Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor
1598
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Renold Elstrack
Renold Elstrack (1570–1625) was an artist, born in London.
See the richer artist page1598
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor is a 1598 ink by Renold Elstrack, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white engraving shows a serious-looking man in fancy clothes. He wears a fur-lined robe, a chain around his neck, and a hat. His hands hold a small object—maybe a book or a jewel. Around him, the border is packed with tiny designs: birds, flowers, and Latin words wrapped in swirls. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, like stitches on the robe. The Latin at the top reads *"Dice Mori Mundo"*—roughly, "Play the dice of this world." That’s a nod to life’s risks and rewards. Want to see how this technique works? Look up engraving.
Renold Elstrack (1570–1625) was an artist, born in London.
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