Antique Master Print-JOHN-DAVIES-HEREFORD-PORTRAIT-ENGRAVING-Lockey-1800

‘AROUND OVAL: “OF IOHN DAVIES OF HEREFORD THE INGENIUS PORTRAITURE.” IN SCROLL BELOW: “THE WRITING SCHOOLEMASTER? 1631.” LOWER MARGIN: “PUBLISHED 1800 BY RICHARDSON NO. 31 STRAND.”‘

– Highly decorative portrait of John Davies of Hereford (1564-1618), English poet and writing master, shown half-length within an oval cartouche. The composition is surrounded by elaborate allegorical figures including putti, symbols of learning (books, writing instruments), and a skull beneath the portrait symbolizing mortality. Flowing scrollwork frames the scene, with inscriptions celebrating his skill in writing and teaching. Though based on a 1631 original, this impression was republished around 1800, preserving the intricate early baroque design. The engraving reflects the intellectual culture of early modern England, combining portraiture with symbolic references to scholarship and the art of writing.