Design for a Book Illustration 1600 - 1700

This drawing, created by English artist William Faithorne the Elder between 1600 and 1700, is a design for a book illustration. The composition features a central figure, likely a military leader, standing on a pedestal and holding a spear. A winged cherub floats above the figure, holding a banner. At the bottom of the composition, there is a cluster of armor and weapons. Faithorne's drawing exemplifies the detailed and expressive style of 17th-century British art. This design, intended for a book illustration, suggests that Faithorne was not only a portraitist but also an accomplished draughtsman with a keen eye for capturing the dynamism of historical and military scenes.