Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester – Governor-General of the United Netherlands
€ 180
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Sheet size
21.8 × 13.5 cm (8.6 × 5.3 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13185-12
Condition
for age. Paper with light even toning and faint handling marks in the margins. No major tears or repairs. Crisp impression with strong plate mark and fine detail preserved. Slight edge wear along the left margin, not affecting the ima.
About this sheet
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester – Governor-General of the United Netherlands, c.1750
This finely executed 18th-century copper engraving portrays Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester (1532–1588), a prominent English statesman and favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. Shown in a half-length pose within an oval frame, Dudley wears richly detailed Elizabethan attire, including a pleated ruff, ornate doublet, and a feathered cap, conveying his high status and martial authority. The careful crosshatching and precise line work bring out the textures of fabric and metal, while the oval border gives the portrait a formal and dignified presentation.
Robert Dudley played a significant role in the complex political and military relations between England and the Dutch Republic during the Eighty Years’ War. Appointed Governor-General and Captain-General of the United Provinces in 1585, he commanded English forces sent to aid the Dutch in their struggle against Spanish rule under the Treaty of Nonsuch. Although his tenure was marked by controversy and political challenges, his appointment symbolized England’s open support for Dutch independence, a pivotal moment in European history.
The engraving is based on a contemporary likeness and was likely published as part of a series of historical portraits commemorating influential leaders in Dutch history. Such prints were popular among collectors and served as visual records of key political figures.
Condition: Good for age. Paper with light even toning and faint handling marks in the margins. No major tears or repairs. Crisp impression with strong plate mark and fine detail preserved. Slight edge wear along the left margin, not affecting the image.
Framing tips: Best suited to a dark wood or ebony frame with a narrow gilt inner border to highlight the rich line work. A cream or lightly aged mount will complement the paper tone, creating a harmonious display that evokes the gravitas of the subject.
Technique: Copper engraving Maker: J. Houbraken, Netherlands, c.1750
