Henry Blackwood 1600 - 1756

This is an engraving of Henry Blackwood, made in 1634, and is likely a posthumous depiction, given that Blackwood was born in 1634. As a portrait of the royal physician and professor, this image is more than just a likeness; it's a statement of identity and status in 17th century France. The inscription tells us Blackwood was Scottish by birth, born in Paris, and died in Rouen. It speaks to the fluidity of identity and the experience of migration. The portrait, framed in an oval, includes Latin text which emphasizes Blackwood’s professional achievements. Consider the weight of Blackwood’s gaze, a man of science serving royalty during a period of immense social and intellectual change. The artist, Odieuvre, captures Blackwood's likeness and also provides us with a window into the complex layers of identity and belonging during the early modern period.