Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal

Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal

Willem de Passe

1620

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a serious-looking man in a dark robe and tall hat. His face is half-lit, with shadows under his chin and cheekbones. One hand rests on his chest, while the other holds a small object. The background is plain, but the text around him looks like old printed words. The name at the bottom reads "Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal," which tells you who this person was. The artist used fine lines to create shading, giving the image a three-dimensional feel. Want to know more? Look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.

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