Joseph Addison, Esquire Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

The engraving presents a three-quarter portrait of a gentleman, positioned against a plain background that emphasizes his figure. He is depicted in a relaxed pose, leaning slightly towards the viewer with one arm casually draped across his waist. His expression is thoughtful and composed, suggesting intelligence and perhaps a degree of self-awareness.
A significant element of the composition is the elaborate hairstyle; voluminous curls cascade around his head and shoulders, indicative of fashionable trends within a specific historical period. The texture of the hair is rendered with meticulous detail through cross-hatching, creating a sense of depth and volume. His attire consists of a waistcoat adorned with decorative buttons and a coat with wide sleeves, further reinforcing his status as a man of refinement and means.
The artist’s use of light and shadow contributes to the overall impression of gravitas. Light falls primarily on his face and upper torso, highlighting these features while leaving portions of his clothing in relative darkness. This contrast directs the viewers attention to his countenance and suggests an inner life or intellectual depth.
Beneath the image, a cartouche contains the subject’s name and title, rendered in formal lettering. The inclusion of a heraldic crest within this cartouche further underscores his social standing and lineage. The engraving appears intended as a formal representation – a visual declaration of identity and status – likely created for distribution among a literate and socially conscious audience. It speaks to an era where portraiture served not only as commemoration but also as a means of projecting a particular image of oneself within the broader social fabric.