Lord Rich 1 - 1794

This engraving of Lord Rich was made by Francesco Bartolozzi in the 18th century. But it is after an original drawing by Hans Holbein, who worked two centuries earlier. The image is part of a tradition that aimed to preserve the likenesses of important historical figures, and disseminate those images widely through printmaking. Looking at it, we might ask, what is the role of art in constructing a national narrative, and shaping collective memory? Lord Rich was a significant figure in Tudor England, serving as Lord Chancellor under Edward VI. His presence in the royal collection, as the inscription states, suggests an effort to create a visual lineage of power. To understand this image fully, we might delve into the history of portraiture, the role of the monarchy in commissioning and collecting art, and the ways in which historical figures are remembered and represented. We can consider art as a product of social forces, institutions, and cultural values.