Artwork

Henry Welby

Henry Welby, by William Marshall, ink, 1637
Henry Welby, by William Marshall, ink, 1637

Henry Welby is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Marshall. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Henry Welby is a print created by William Marshall in 1637 using the engraving technique.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts an elderly man with a long white beard seated in a chair, surrounded by symbols of knowledge and contemplation. A shipwreck scene to the right may allude to themes of survival or rebirth, reinforced by a poem labeling the subject a 'Phoenix'.

Technique & Style

The image is rendered in black lines on a plain background, characteristic of engraving. The level of detail achieved, from the patterned floor to the textures of the old man's clothing, demonstrates the technique's capabilities.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.