Figures & Portraits · 17th century
€ 440
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good impression with fine detail. Paper with wide margins. Minor age toning, a light stain near the inscription, and faint handling marks. No tears or repairs. Plate mark clearly visible.
Antique engraving of Thomas Cromwell by Nicolaes Pitau after van der Werff, c.1700
This finely executed portrait depicts Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex (1485–1540), the powerful minister of Henry VIII who served as Vicegerent in Ecclesiastical Matters and played a decisive role in the English Reformation. The engraving is by Nicolaes Pitau (1632–1676), after a painting by the Dutch master Adriaen van der Werff (1659–1722). Published around 1700, the work combines the elegance of late 17th-century portrait engraving with the authority of Tudor history.
The portrait is contained within a richly decorated oval cartouche, framed with scrolls and foliage, resting on a stone pedestal. Below, allegorical figures flank a finely detailed coat of arms topped with a crown and supported by lions, accompanied by the motto “Je L’Envie” and “Mon Dieu.” The text beneath identifies the sitter as *Cromwel Vicegerant*, a reference to his official role as Henry VIII’s deputy in matters of religion. Cromwell is presented in fur-lined robes, wearing a flat cap and a medallion, his gaze turned slightly to the right, capturing his stern and pragmatic character.
Nicolaes Pitau, an engraver originally from Antwerp who settled in Paris, was widely regarded for the clarity and precision of his line. His portrait engravings after masters such as van der Werff were sought after in their own day and continue to be appreciated for their finesse. Van der Werff himself was among the most esteemed painters of the late Dutch Golden Age, renowned for his smooth, idealized style. This engraving brings together two important figures of Northern European art to immortalize one of the most famous English statesmen.
As a historical object, the engraving reflects both the 16th-century power struggles of Tudor England and the enduring European fascination with Cromwell in the centuries following his death. Collectors of English history, Tudor portraiture, and early modern printmaking will find this an appealing and significant piece.
Condition report:
Very good impression with fine detail. Paper with wide margins. Minor age toning, a light stain near the inscription, and faint handling marks. No tears or repairs. Plate mark clearly visible.
Framing tips:
This engraving would benefit from a classic presentation with an ivory or cream mount and a dark wood or gilt frame, enhancing both the portrait and the heraldic decoration. A darker wall color such as deep green or warm gray would emphasize the engraving’s rich tonal contrasts.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Nicolaes Pitau, after Adriaen van der Werff, Paris, circa 1700
