A detailed 1739 engraving by Jacobus Houbraken depicting Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham, featuring symbolic naval imagery and formal portraiture.

This engraving by the Dutch artist Jacobus Houbraken depicts Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham, a figure of significant naval authority during the Elizabethan era. Houbraken, a master of the burin, produced this work for Thomas Birch's 'Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain', a publication that sought to document the lives and appearances of notable historical figures. The portrait is executed with the technical precision characteristic of 18th-century Dutch printmaking.

The composition follows the conventions of formal portraiture. Howard is presented within an oval frame, wearing the robes and collar of the Order of the Garter. His expression is one of seasoned authority, reflecting his role as Lord High Admiral. Below the portrait, Houbraken includes an allegorical scene featuring a merman holding a trident, positioned beside a cartouche that depicts a naval engagement. This inclusion serves to reference Howard's command over the English fleet, particularly during the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Houbraken's use of line work creates a sense of texture and volume, from the soft folds of the ruff around the subject's neck to the metallic sheen of the decorative frame. The print demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship required for such detailed historical documentation. The inclusion of the merman and the maritime vignette adds a layer of narrative depth, connecting the sitter's identity to his professional achievements. This piece provides a clear example of how 18th-century printmakers interpreted earlier historical figures through the lens of contemporary aesthetic standards, balancing formal portraiture with symbolic ornamentation.