Thomas Cavendish

Willem de Passe and Magdalena de Passe

National Gallery of Art

The image is a portrait showing the upper torso of a man within an oval frame. The man is positioned facing forward, slightly turned to his left, with his head also subtly angled in the same direction. His facial features include a sharp nose, prominent cheekbones, and a groomed moustache and short beard. He has curly hair that frames his face, with some volume at the top. He is dressed in ornate clothing with a detailed pattern on his sleeves and what appears to be a padded garment. A large bow or sash is tied around his neck. In his left hand, he holds a dividers tool, poised over a globe that rests in front of him. The background within the oval is a dark, cross-hatched area, and the frame is decorated with Latin text that reads "THOMAS CANDISH ARMIGER." The setting outside the oval is a lighter, textured area featuring more Latin text.