Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

Willem de Passe and Magdalena de Passe

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a bust-length engraving of a man identified as Thomas Cromwell, looking to the left. He is seated in a side profile position with his arms crossed in front of him. The man has a solemn expression with defined features, including a pronounced nose and deep-set eyes. His hair is short and light-colored, peeking out from under a cap. He is dressed in a coat with a wide, luxurious fur collar. In front of him on the table are papers and a quill. The background is plain with a textured pattern.