Robert Bruce, First Earl of Arlesbury

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Robert White captures the likeness of Robert Bruce, First Earl of Arlesbury, based on an original portrait by the celebrated court painter Sir Peter Lely. Created between 1601 and 1650, the print measures 29.4 by 19.8 centimeters and represents a fine example of reproductive engraving, a technique in which an artist incises fine lines into a metal plate to translate painted images into widely distributable prints. Sir Peter Lely was renowned for his elegant Baroque portraits of the English aristocracy, and White’s engraving preserves that refined style through precise line work and subtle tonal effects. Such prints played an important role in 17th-century culture, allowing images of notable figures to reach broader audiences beyond the original painting’s owners. Now part of the National Gallery of Art’s Rosenwald Collection, the work underscores the enduring value of printmaking in documenting and sharing historical likenesses for generations of viewers.