Friar Martinus de Porras

Friar Martinus de Porras

Unknown 19th Century

1850

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a serious-looking man in the center, dressed in a high-collar robe and holding a cross. Around him, four smaller figures—two men and two women—sit on a decorated frame, each holding objects like books or crowns. The background is packed with swirling leaves, scrolls, and a shield with a coat of arms. The man’s face is the sharpest part, while the others fade into the busy, ornate border. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the scene look detailed but also a little crowded. If you like this style, look up engraving to see how artists carve images into metal.

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