John Vaughan, Earl of Carbery Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

The engraving presents a gentleman in three-quarter profile, facing slightly towards the viewers left. He is positioned against a subtly rendered background suggesting drapery, which contributes to a sense of depth and spatial recession. The composition is dominated by his elaborate hairstyle – a cascade of voluminous curls that frame his face and extend down his shoulders. This coiffure, meticulously detailed with cross-hatching, speaks to the fashion trends of the late 17th or early 18th century, signifying status and refinement.
The man’s facial features are rendered with considerable precision; a prominent nose, full lips, and keen eyes convey an impression of intelligence and perhaps a certain severity. He wears a white cravat at his neck, neatly folded and tied, further emphasizing his social standing. The lighting is carefully managed to highlight the contours of his face and the texture of his clothing, creating a sense of three-dimensionality.
Below the portrait, a coat of arms is displayed, accompanied by the inscription John Vaughan Earl of Carbery, indicating the subject’s noble lineage and title. This element reinforces the images purpose as an official representation intended to commemorate or celebrate this individuals position within the aristocracy.
The engraving’s monochrome palette lends it a formal and dignified air. The artist employed varying degrees of pressure in the etching process, creating tonal contrasts that define form and texture. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated authority, characteristic of portraiture intended to convey respect and project an image of power and lineage. The meticulous detail suggests a desire for accuracy and permanence, reflecting the importance placed on documenting individuals of high social rank during this period.