| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | Thomas Cross |
| Published | c.1649 |
| Dimensions | Image 141 x 109 mm, Sheet 170 x 110 mm |
| Notes |
A half-length portrait of Nicholas Culpepper used as the frontispiece to Culpeper's A physicall directory (1649) and to The English physician (1652). Culpepper is seen looking directly at the viewer, turned slightly to the right. He wears a high doublet, a white collar at the top with a tasselled tie. A cloak is draped over his shoulders, covering his arms, his left hand showing. His coat of arms is seen in the upper left corner. Nicholas Culpepper (1616-1654) was an English botanist, astrologer, and physician. He is most famed for his works The English Physitian (1652), a source of pharmaceutical and herbal lore of the time, and Astrological Judgement of Diseases from the Decumbiture of the Sick (1655) one of the most detailed works on medical astrology in Early Modern Europe. Thomas Cross (fl. c.1632-1682) was a British engraver, best known for his production of frontispieces including engraved portraits of authors and other celebrities published in the middle of the seventeenth century. The Dictionary of National Biography comically notes that 'his style shows no attempt at artistic refinement, but merely an endeavour to render faithfully the lineaments of the persons or objects portrayed; this he executed in a dry and stiff manner' but goes on to mention. 'His portraits are, however, a valuable contribution to the history of the period, and some of them are the only likenesses we possess—e.g. that of Philip Massinger, prefixed to an edition of his plays in 1655.' Thomas Cross also had a son also of the same name, who was also an engraver, making it difficult to distinguish between the works of the two. O'Donoghue 1 Condition: Trimmed and tipped to album page. Glue stains to three corners. Areas of wear to left side of image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £75.00 |
| Stock ID | 52592 |