Artwork
John Selden, Jurist and Antiquary
John Selden, Jurist and Antiquary is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert White. It dates from 1683 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1683 engraving by Robert White portrays John Selden, a renowned jurist and antiquary, in a formal, black-and-white portrait. The image features a serious-looking man with curly hair and a dark collar, framed by a decorative, textured border.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving captures John Selden, highlighting his importance in legal and historical scholarship through a dignified representation. The inscription 'Johannes Seldenus Armig' emphasizes his stature.
Technique & Style
White employed fine lines to achieve depth and texture, characteristic of early printed portraits. The rounded, swirling border and fancy lettering reflect the refined style of his mentor, David Loggan.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 17th century, a peak period for English portrait engraving, the work disseminates Selden's likeness. White, a London-based artist, later died in 1703 under reduced circumstances in Bloomsbury Market.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Robert White (1645 – 1703) was an English draughtsman and engraver. A Londoner, he was a pupil of David Loggan, and became a leading portrait engraver. White was celebrated for his original portraits, drawn in pencil on…
