Alexander Morus
1634
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1634
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man in old-fashioned clothes. He’s sitting with one hand resting on a table, looking straight ahead with a serious expression. His dark coat has a high collar, and a lace cuff peeks out at his wrist. Behind him, a curtain and a patterned wall add depth to the scene. The text around the image is in Latin, praising the man’s intelligence and skill. This kind of detailed praise was common for important figures back then. If you like this style, check out more about engraving.