Martin Billingsley

William Hole

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an engraved portrait of a man depicted from the waist up, seated with one shoulder angled slightly forward. His face is turned towards the viewer, displaying pronounced facial features, including a pointed mustache and a tuft of hair styled upwards in the front. The man has short hair surrounding the tuft and appears to be in a formal setting. His attire includes a doublet typical of the early 17th century, featuring a high, elaborate lace collar, and he holds a quill pen delicately poised in one hand against a small writing desk. Surrounding the portrait is a decorative border with Latin text, and beneath it, there is a section containing printed English text that praises the art of writing. The intricate background consists of fine lines and decorative scrollwork that frame the central image, creating the impression of a formal and historically styled portrait.