Simon van de Passe

Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset

Simon van de Passe's portrait of Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset is an original engraving published by Compton Holland around 1615. The National Portrait Gallery in London, includes an impression of this engraving in its permanent collection. Simon van de Passe's portrait engravings represent a most valuable record of early seventeenth century English history, particularly relating to the court of King James I. Such is clearly the case with this portrayal of "Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset" (c. 1587-1645). Robert Carr, also spelt (Kerr or Ker) was a courtier and favourite of James I. He was also found guilty of poisoning Sir Thomas Overbury. This engraving is a fine, original example of early 17th century British portrait art.

Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset

View other original engravings by Simon, Willem, & Magdalena van de Passe.

-	Image	Title & Artist	Medium	Date	Publisher	-
01.-		George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland by Willem van de Passe or Magdalena van de Passe	Original Engraving	1620	Crispijn (Crispin) van de Passe, Holland	Sold
02.-		Lodovick Stuart, Ist Duke of Richmond, and 2nd Duke of Lennox by Simon van de Passe	Original Engraving	1616	Compton Holland, London
03.-		Philip Herbert, First Earl of Montgomery by Simon van de Passe	Original Engraving	c. 1620	Sudbury and Humble, London	Sold
04.-		Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset by Simon van de Passe	Original Engraving	c. 1615	Compton Holland, London	Sold
05.-		Robert Sidney, 1st Viscount L'Isle by Simon van de Passe	Original Engraving	1617	Sudbury and Humble, London	Sold

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Title:	Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset
Artist:	Van de Passe, Simon (Utrecht, 1595 - Copenhagen, 1647)
Date:	c. 1615
Medium:	Original Engraving
Publisher:	Compton Holland, London
Note:	Simon van de Passe: During the first several decades of the seventeenth century the large majority of engravings created in England were made by commissioned foreign artists, particularly from France and the Netherlands. Among these engravers the most esteemed were Francis Delaram and the brothers Simon and Willem van de Passe (1599-1637). It wasn’t until after 1650 that the great British engraver, William Faithorne (1616-1691) established a truly English school of portrait engraving.
	Simon van de Passe (or, Simon de Passe) belonged to an illustrious family of Dutch engravers. He studied printmaking techniques under his father, Crispijn (1560-1643). After working several years for his father, Simon van de Passe moved to London (1613) and worked for the publishers of that city for a period of around ten years. He was also employed by the famous miniature painter, Nicholas Hilliard, to create engravings after his paintings of the English Royal Family. After that date he moved first to Paris and then entered the service of the King of Denmark and became the engraver to the Danish Royal Family.
	In England, Simon van de Passe engraved some very famous portraits including those of King Charles the First, Queen Anne, George Villiers (Duke of Buckingham), Captain John Smith and King James the First. He also was commissioned to engrave the portraits of Philip III, King of Spain, the Duke of Burgundy and Christian IV, King of Denmark.
	A number of Simon van de Passe’s English portraits (including this original example of "Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset" were published by Compton Holland. This London publisher existed from around 1613 to his death in 1622. His name appears to the lower right of the plate while Simon van de Passe has signed to the lower left.
	Robert Carr, 1st Viscount Rochester, 1st Earl of Somerset (c. 1587-1645): Robert Carr was the son of Sir Thomas Kerr Laird of Ferniehirst, and Janet Scott, sister of Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch. Robert Carr, also spelt (Kerr or Ker), was a Scottish noble, a courtier and a favorite of James I. He held the positions of Privy Councillor, Treasurer of Scotland and Lord Chamberlain while employed by King James I of England. In 1613, He married Frances Howard, Lady Essex, (1590-1632), daughter of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk (1561-1626) and Catherine Knyvett (c. 1564 - 1638). Frances Howard was also the ex-wife (after the marriage annulment in 1613), of Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex (1591-1646). In 1615-1616, both Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset and his wife Frances were tried, found guilty and sentenced to death for the fatal poisoning of Sir Thomas Overbury (baptized 1581-died, 1613). Thomas Overbury was an English poet, the author of "A Wife" (also referred to as "The Wife"). He was also a friend, mentor and ally of his presumed murderer, Robert Carr. Robert and Frances were eventually pardoned by the King and spent the next few years in the Tower of London. They were finally released around 1622-1624. The Earl of Somerset and his wife Frances had one daughter, Lady Anne Carr, Countess of Bedford (1615-1684), wife of William Russell, 5th Earl of Bedford (1613-1700). This original engraving is a fine example of early 17th century British portrait art.
Note:	The National Portrait Gallery, London, includes an example of "Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset" in its permanent collection (Inventory #: NPG D25789).
Raisonne:	K. G. Boon, ed., F. W. H. Holstein, "Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts: 1450-1700", Amsterdam, Van Gendt, 1974, Vol 16.
	Catalogue #116, First State
Size:	7 1/8 X 4 3/4 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
	Matted with 100% Archival Materials
Condition:	Printed upon hand made, laid paper and trimmed to the plate-mark on all sides. Signed by van de Passe and bearing the publisher’s address within the plate. A strong, early first state impression of this famous contemporary portrait and in excellent condition throughout. "Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset" represents both a scarce and important example of early seventeenth century British portrait art.
Subject:	Simon van de Passe (or, Simon de Passe), "Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset", original engraving, Compton Holland, early seventeenth century English history, King James I, Sir Thomas Overbury, British portrait art.
Price:	Sold - The price is no longer available.
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