Artwork
Lord Chancellor Bacon
Lord Chancellor Bacon is an ink print by the Baroque artist J. Dadley. It dates from 1787 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. J.
About this work
Overview
J. Dadley’s 1787 engraving presents a portrait of the historical figure known as Lord Chancellor Bacon. Rendered in monochrome, the image focuses on a dignified male figure dressed in period attire, complete with a broad hat, ruffled collar, and a chain draped around his neck. The composition is set against a modest tabletop, emphasizing the sitter’s scholarly attributes.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait identifies the sitter as Lord Chancellor Bacon, a prominent legal and political figure of the 17th century. He is shown holding an open book in his right hand and a quill pen in his left, symbols that underscore his reputation for legal scholarship and administrative authority. The accompanying inscription and poetic verse reinforce themes of wisdom and governance.
Technique & Style
Executed in fine line engraving, the work exemplifies the meticulous draughtsmanship typical of late‑18th‑century printmaking.
Executed in fine line engraving, the work exemplifies the meticulous draughtsmanship typical of late‑18th‑century printmaking. Dadley employs a dense network of hatching to model the textures of fabric, hair, and metal, while the stark contrast between inked areas and the paper surface creates a clear, three‑dimensional effect. The restrained background directs attention to the figure’s facial expression and attributes.
History & Provenance
Created in 1787, the print reflects a period when portrait engravings served both commemorative and educational purposes. While the original plate’s ownership history is not fully documented, copies of the engraving have circulated among collectors of legal and historical imagery, indicating its continued relevance as a visual record of Bacon’s legacy.
Context
The engraving emerges from a broader tradition of depicting statesmen and jurists in the eighteenth century, a time when print media disseminated images of notable public figures beyond elite circles. By presenting Bacon with scholarly tools, the work aligns with contemporary ideals that linked intellectual rigor with civic responsibility.
Artist & collection
