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John Knox, the Scottish Reformer

Etcher John Kay British, Scottish
After Adrian Vanson Flemish
Sitter John Knox Scottish
1810
Not on view
In addition to portraying his Edinburgh contemporaries, Kay etched famous historical figures. Here he portrays the reforming Protestant minister John Knox, founder of the Scottish Presbyterian church. The image derives from a sixteenth-century portrait by the Flemish painter Adrian Vanson, who worked at the court of James VI of Scotland. The latter was reproduced as a woodcut book illustration in 1580 and engraving by Hendrik Hondius in 1602. Kay's etching combines elments of both, showing Knox facing slightly to the left, with a long beard, flat topped hat and dark coat, his hands holding a small book and resting on a ledge.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: John Knox, the Scottish Reformer
  • Etcher: John Kay (British, Dalkeith, Scotland 1742–1826 Edinburgh)
  • Artist: After Adrian Vanson (Flemish, born Breda, died 1602)
  • Sitter: John Knox (Scottish, 1505–1572)
  • Date: 1810
  • Medium: Etching and aquatint
  • Dimensions: image: 4 5/16 x 3 in. (11 x 7.6 cm)
    sheet: 5 5/8 x 3 7/16 in. (14.3 x 8.7 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.3.756–1166
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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