Portrait of Lt General Fleetwood Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)

The engraving presents a formal portrait of a military figure, rendered in meticulous detail through extensive cross-hatching and fine lines. The subject is positioned centrally within an oval frame, heavily ornamented with scrolling foliage and decorative cartouches bearing his title: Lieutenant General. He faces the viewer directly, conveying a sense of authority and composure. His expression is serious, almost stern, suggesting a man accustomed to command and responsibility.
The figure’s attire reinforces this impression. He wears a full suit of armor, indicative of his military rank and status. A high-collared shirt peeks out from beneath the breastplate, adding a touch of formality. His dark hair is styled in long curls, fashionable for the period, framing a face marked by age and experience.
Below the portrait, two lions flank a plinth or table. One lion rears up on its hind legs, displaying an aggressive posture, while the other sits calmly, paws resting upon what appears to be a military standard or banner. The lions are rendered with considerable anatomical accuracy, their fur meticulously detailed. Their presence introduces symbolic layers to the composition. Lions traditionally represent courage, strength, and royalty – attributes expected of a high-ranking officer. Their positioning beneath the portrait suggests these qualities are inherent to his character and profession.
The overall effect is one of deliberate grandeur and carefully constructed symbolism. The artist employed techniques characteristic of formal portraiture, emphasizing status and projecting an image of unwavering resolve. The engraving’s meticulous execution underscores the importance of the subject and reinforces the message of power and authority he embodies. The inclusion of the lions serves not merely as decorative elements but as potent visual metaphors for his military prowess and noble standing.