John Payne

John Payne was an artist known primarily for his production of etchings and engravings, active specifically during the first decade of the 17th century, between 1600 and 1607. His extant work, as documented in major museum databases, consists overwhelmingly of John Payne prints, complemented by at least one known drawing.

A total of fifteen works attributed to Payne are currently held in significant institutional collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. The documented print output often features portraiture, demonstrating an engagement with contemporary religious, political, and noble figures. Examples of these works include the portraits Arthur Hildersham, Minister, Arthur Lake, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Christian, Duke of Brunswick, and Francis Hawkins. Payne also executed specific studies in decorative arts, evidenced by the work Design for a table with a cat mask and goat legs.

The preservation of these 17th-century graphics in institutional archives ensures their continued study. Many of these historical records are digitized, often made available as downloadable artwork for scholars and the public, allowing for the reproduction of high-quality prints of his period engravings. His documented output solidifies his position among early modern printmakers.