Artwork
Lord Bacon
Lord Bacon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Henry Adlard. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1840, this black‑and‑white etching by Henry Adlard presents a portrait of a middle‑aged gentleman, likely in his fifties. The sitter is rendered with a serious expression, dressed in a high‑collared, ruffled shirt, a dark coat, and a chain draped around his neck. A plain, unadorned background isolates the figure, directing attention to his face and shoulders.
Subject & Meaning
The work is identified as "Lord Bacon," suggesting the portrait depicts a titled individual, though no further biographical details are supplied. The solemn demeanor and formal attire convey a sense of authority and status, while the minimal setting underscores the focus on the sitter’s character rather than narrative context.
Technique & Style
Executed as an etching, the image was produced by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. Adlard’s signature, "H. Adlard sc.," confirms his role as the printmaker. The fine line work captures the texture of the ruffles and the sheen of the chain, while the stark contrast between dark coat and light background highlights the subject’s features.
History & Provenance
The print bears the artist’s name and the title beneath the image, indicating it was intended for distribution as a printed portrait rather than a unique painting. Its creation in the early Victorian period places it within a broader trend of commemorative prints of notable figures, though specific ownership records beyond the artist’s imprint are not documented.
Artist & collection
