Captain John Smith

Simon de Passe

Associated Names
Simon van de Passe

Artist, German, c. 1595 - 1647

The image depicts a portrait of Captain John Smith in an elaborate engraving style. He is seen from the waist up, facing slightly to the right with his head turned towards the viewer. He has a mustache, full beard, straight nose, and strong jawline. His hair is wavy and relatively short. He is wearing period attire with a high lace collar and a buttoned doublet with puffed sleeves. He is holding the pommel of a sword in his right hand. The portrait is framed with text at the top, and a small globe rests above his head on a pedestal. Grid-like lines and illustrations of a soldier and a man on horseback are in the background, conveying themes of exploration and conquest.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 15.6 × 9.8 cm (6 1/8 × 3 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1951.11.242

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, Vol. XVI, no. 113


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

W. B. Dukes [d. 1942], London, (L.2757a); (Sotheby, London, sale July 8, 1942, no. 112); Hermann Marx [d. 1948], Surrey, (L.2816a); (Sotheby, London, sale May 24, 1948, no. 165); Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891 - 1979], Philadelphia, (L.1932d); gift to NGA, 1951.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Wikidata ID

Q65367113

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