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Title Page to Sir Thomas Smith, The Commonwealth of England

William Marshall

1633

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

Title Page to Sir Thomas Smith, The Commonwealth of England is a 1633 ink by William Marshall, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: William Marshall
When & what style?: 1633 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a title page for a book with a mix of people and symbols. At the top, a crowned head floats between two cherubs—one holding a trumpet, the other a scroll. Below, two figures stand on either side of a pillar: a woman in robes holding scales, and a man in a hat with a book. The bottom features a chaotic map-like design with tiny figures. The text reads *The Commonwealth of England* by Sir Thomas Smith, printed in London. The mix of classical figures and busy details suggests ideas of justice and knowledge. Want to see more? Look up engraving to spot how artists carved these sharp lines.