Robert Bruce, First Earl of Arlesbury
1601 to 1650
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
plate: 29.4 × 19.8 cm (11 9/16 × 7 13/16 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1951.11.818
Art Historical Context
This engraving by Robert White captures the likeness of Robert Bruce, First Earl of Arlesbury, based on an original portrait by the celebrated court painter Sir Peter Lely. Created between 1601 and 1650, the print measures 29.4 by 19.8 centimeters and represents a fine example of reproductive engraving, a technique in which an artist incises fine lines into a metal plate to translate painted images into widely distributable prints. Sir Peter Lely was renowned for his elegant Baroque portraits of the English aristocracy, and White’s engraving preserves that refined style through precise line w...