Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel

Wenceslaus Hollar arrived in England in the company of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, who hired the artist during his diplomatic mission in Cologne in 1636, with the idea that Hollar would catalogue Arundel’s art collections. The Earl of Arundel was a most interesting man: he was a scholar and art lover, as well as an accomplished and influential politician. Nonetheless, it was his superb art collections that won him undying fame. Yet in manner he was withdrawn and reserved, which some perceived as arrogance. His character is well expressed in Hollar’s etching. The artist based his portrait on a painting by Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), a famous portraitist, who established himself at the English royal court. Hollar’s own mastery as etcher is at its finest here.