Edward Hopkins, Esquire Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

The engraving presents a portrait of a man within an oval frame. He is depicted from the chest up, facing forward with a direct gaze towards the viewer. The artist has rendered him in meticulous detail using cross-hatching and stippling techniques, creating tonal variations that suggest volume and texture.
A prominent feature is his elaborate hairstyle; voluminous curls cascade around his face and shoulders, indicative of fashionable trends during the late seventeenth century. His attire consists of a dark coat draped over his shoulders, revealing a crisp white shirt collar at the neck. The coat’s folds are carefully rendered to convey its weight and material.
Beneath the portrait, the mans name – Edward Hopkins – is inscribed in capital letters alongside an escutcheon bearing what appears to be a family crest. This detail underscores his social standing and lineage. The inclusion of “ESQ.” further reinforces this perception of status and respectability.
The overall impression conveyed is one of authority, prosperity, and adherence to societal norms. The direct gaze establishes a sense of confidence and perhaps even challenge the viewer to acknowledge his position. The formal pose and meticulous rendering suggest an intention to create a lasting record of his identity and place within society. The engraving’s style points towards a deliberate effort to immortalize him as a figure worthy of respect and remembrance, likely intended for distribution among his peers or descendants.