Portrait of Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)

The engraving presents a formal portrait of a man in elaborate attire. He is positioned centrally within an oval frame, which itself is surrounded by an ornate decorative border exhibiting swirling patterns and flourishes. The subjects gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of authority and composure. His facial features are rendered with considerable detail; we observe a prominent nose, deeply etched lines around his eyes and mouth indicative of age, and a full beard meticulously shaded to suggest texture and volume.
He wears a dark, voluminous robe lined with what appears to be fur or a similarly luxurious material. A chain of office, adorned with medallions, drapes across his chest, signifying his high rank and official duties. The presence of the cap atop his head further reinforces this impression of nobility. Inscribed around the oval frame are the name CHARLES above and HOWARD EARL OF NOTTINGHAM below, confirming his identity and status.
Below the main portrait, a complex allegorical scene unfolds. A cherubic figure, seemingly emerging from water, holds aloft a trident. The figure is partially obscured by what appears to be stylized waves or nautical motifs, suggesting a connection to maritime power or dominion. This lower section introduces a layer of symbolic meaning beyond the straightforward representation of the individual.
The engraving’s monochrome palette and meticulous line work contribute to its overall gravitas and formality. The use of chiaroscuro – the contrast between light and shadow – enhances the three-dimensionality of the subject and adds depth to the composition. The artists skill in rendering textures, from the softness of the fur lining to the metallic sheen of the chain of office, is evident throughout.
The subtexts embedded within this work likely relate to themes of power, lineage, and responsibility. The inclusion of the allegorical figure with the trident could allude to the subject’s role in naval affairs or his dominion over a territory associated with the sea. Overall, the engraving functions not merely as a likeness but as a carefully constructed statement about status, authority, and the individuals place within a hierarchical social order.