William Ramsay, Physician and Astrologer
1672
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1672
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This portrait depicts a man with long, curly hair and a dark jacket, seated with his left hand resting on his head and his right hand on his lap. He is positioned in front of a table with a book titled "The Character of True Nobility and Gentility" and a small bag. The background is a dark, textured surface. The man's attire and hairstyle suggest a sense of elegance and refinement, while the book and bag on the table imply a connection to learning and intellectual pursuits. The overall atmosphere of the portrait is one of quiet contemplation and introspection. The artist's use of cross-hatching and engraving techniques adds depth and texture to the image, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face and hands. For more information on this technique, look up "cross-hatching".