A detailed late sixteenth-century engraving by Flemish artist Dominicus Custos, featuring a formal portrait of Marcus Antonius Montanus.

This engraving by Dominicus Custos depicts Marcus Antonius Montanus, a figure of the late sixteenth century. Custos, a Flemish printmaker who spent much of his career in Augsburg, was known for his technical precision in portraiture. The work follows the conventions of the period, presenting the subject within an oval frame that incorporates Latin lettering. This framing device provides biographical context while maintaining a formal, structured appearance.

The portrait captures the subject in a three-quarter view, wearing a doublet and a ruff, which were standard attire for men of status during this era. The artist employs fine, controlled lines to define the facial features, beard, and the texture of the clothing. The background within the oval consists of dense, vertical hatching, which creates a sense of depth and contrast against the lighter tones of the face. The Latin inscription at the base offers a brief tribute to the subject, linking him to his home city of Verona.

Custos was a member of a family of engravers and publishers, and his work often circulated among the intellectual and social elite of the Holy Roman Empire. This print reflects the high level of craftsmanship associated with the Augsburg school of printmaking. The composition is balanced and restrained, focusing on the individual's likeness rather than elaborate ornamentation. The clarity of the line work and the careful attention to anatomical detail demonstrate the technical rigour expected of professional engravers at the time. This piece provides a clear example of the portrait engraving tradition that flourished in Europe during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods.