1627
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Portrait of a Man is a 1627 ink by John Payne, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white engraving shows a man in a dark, textured jacket with a high collar. His curly hair and mustache are detailed, and he holds a small object in his left hand while resting his right hand on his chest. The background is plain, focusing all attention on his face and clothing. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, especially in the folds of his sleeves and the fabric’s texture. The Latin text at the bottom reads like a motto, but it’s hard to make out. Want to see more? Look up engraving to learn how artists like this one carved intricate details into metal plates.
John Payne (1607–1647) was an English engraver, who was one of the earliest exponents of the art of engraving in England. His best work was the finest produced by a native-born engraver working during the reign of Charles I.
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