Elizabeth

The print "Elizabeth" was created in 1823 by the British engraver William Henry Worthington, reproducing a compositional source historically attributed to the 16th-century German court painter Hans Holbein the Younger. Classified as an important example of Print production, this work reflects the high level of technical skill achieved in reproductive arts during the 1801 to 1825 period in Britain. Worthington specialized in translating complex historical and contemporary paintings into the widely accessible medium of engraving.

This particular work utilizes the precise technique of line engraving, where lines are carefully incised into a metal plate, a method that allowed for the mass dissemination of culturally and historically significant images. The subject, likely Queen Elizabeth I, is depicted with the formality and rich detailing characteristic of the Tudor era. This early 19th-century resurgence of interest in British historical iconography generated significant demand for such accurate reproductions of famous portraits. Worthington’s meticulous translation of the assumed original attributed to Younger ensures that the intricate costuming, jewelry, and regal posture are maintained, allowing viewers a detailed look at the source material across the intervening centuries.

Although the design foundation belongs to Younger, Worthington’s expertise as a printmaker defines the final visual texture and tonality of this specific piece. The resulting image resides in the extensive collection of prints held by the National Gallery of Art. Since this print was produced in 1823, it is often considered a valuable piece of historical documentation. Works such as Elizabeth are frequently made available in the public domain, enabling institutions and researchers worldwide to study these historically significant British reproductions and their relationship to the masterworks of the past.