Title page, An History of the Civill Warres of England

Renold Elstrack

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a detailed and ornate title page for a historical text. The central oval plaque bears the title "An history of the civil warres of England between the two houses of Lancaster and Yorke." Above the title is a figure of a seated person with wings playing a trumpet. To the sides are ornate medallions featuring portraits labeled with Latin script. Below the medallions stand two figures; one on the left is dressed in regal robes and a crown, the other on the right in armor. The base of the composition includes a battlefield scene with soldiers in traditional armor. The style is formal and classical, suggesting a historical theme. The intricate line work indicates that the drawing may have been created as an engraving.