Sir Roger LEstrange Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

The engraving presents a formal portrait of a man within an oval frame, set against a plain background. He is depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly toward the viewer with a serious and contemplative expression. His gaze is steady, suggesting authority and perhaps a degree of introspection. The artist rendered his face with meticulous detail, capturing subtle nuances in skin texture and facial structure.
The man’s hair is long, elaborately styled into cascading curls that frame his face and fall onto his shoulders. This hairstyle, characteristic of the late seventeenth century, contributes to an overall impression of wealth and status. He wears a dark coat with a high collar, further reinforcing this sense of formality and belonging to a privileged class.
Above the portrait, two ribbons unfurl across the top of the frame, bearing Latin text – VO CON NON VO. This inscription likely functions as a motto or epigram, adding layers of meaning beyond the purely visual representation. The placement suggests it is significant to the subject’s identity and reputation.
Below the oval frame sits a heraldic shield, surrounded by decorative foliage and banners. The shield displays a coat of arms, indicating lineage and noble heritage. This element serves as a clear marker of social standing and familial connections. The inclusion of the artists signatures – G. Kneller pinxit and “R. White sculpsit” – at the bottom left and right corners respectively, acknowledges the collaborative effort involved in creating this portrait: one responsible for the original painting, the other for its reproduction through engraving.
The overall effect is that of a carefully constructed image designed to convey power, dignity, and established social position. The formality of the pose, the elaborate styling, the heraldic symbols, and the Latin inscription all work together to present a man of considerable importance within his society.