Sophocles (after Rubens) 1638

This 17th-century engraving by Paulus Pontius, *Sophocles (after Rubens)*, is a portrait of the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. The print is based on a bust of Sophocles that was likely made during his lifetime, and the inscription below the bust reads “From an ancient marble bust." The realistic depiction of Sophocles' face and beard, coupled with the precise hatching, highlight Pontius’ technical skill in engraving. The print is a beautiful example of 17th-century portraiture, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Sophocles as one of the most important playwrights in Western literature.