Charles Talbot, Duke of Shrewsbury Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

The engraving presents a man in formal attire, captured in a three-quarter pose. He is positioned slightly left of center within the frame, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a measured and composed expression. The subjects hair, styled in elaborate curls characteristic of the period, frames his face and falls onto his shoulders. A dark coat, adorned with what appears to be fur trim at the cuffs, suggests wealth and status. He holds a gloved hand across his stomach, a gesture that conveys both formality and a degree of relaxed authority.
The artist has employed chiaroscuro techniques, utilizing strong contrasts between light and shadow to model the subject’s features and clothing. This creates depth and emphasizes the texture of the fur and fabric. The rendering is meticulous; individual strands of hair are discernible, as are the subtle folds in his garments.
Surrounding the central portrait is an ornate decorative border composed of scrolling foliage motifs. Above the figure, a heraldic crest is visible, indicating noble lineage or association. Below the image, inscribed text identifies the subject and notes that the engraving is derived from an original work held within a private collection. The typography used for this inscription is formal and elegant, reinforcing the overall sense of prestige.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a gentleman, the engraving conveys several subtexts related to power and social standing. The carefully controlled posture, the luxurious clothing, and the heraldic symbols all contribute to an image designed to project authority and lineage. The gaze directed at the viewer suggests a confident awareness of one’s position within the social hierarchy. The fact that it is presented as a reproduction from an original work further underscores its value and exclusivity, reinforcing the subjects elevated status. It serves not merely as a likeness but as a visual declaration of rank and privilege.