Artwork
Sir Francis Bacon
Sir Francis Bacon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Innocenzo Geremia. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Innocenzo Geremia's 1798 engraving, Sir Francis Bacon, is a meticulously detailed black-and-white portrait of the renowned philosopher and statesman. The subject is depicted with a full beard and mustache, wearing a ruffled collar and a dark, button-front jacket.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Sir Francis Bacon, highlighting his intellectual presence through the thoughtful expression and attire characteristic of his time. The image likely aimed to commemorate and disseminate Bacon's likeness and legacy during the late 18th century.
Technique & Style
Executed in engraving, a prevalent method for detailed reproduction before photography, the work showcases careful line work, evident in the textured rendering of facial features, clothing folds, and the subject's beard.
History & Provenance
Created in 1798 by Innocenzo Geremia, specific details about the engraving's original commission, early ownership, or exhibition history are not provided in the available information.
Context
This engraving reflects the late 18th-century interest in portraying historical and intellectual figures through accessible, reproducible art forms, catering to a growing educated audience.
Legacy
As a representation of Sir Francis Bacon from its time, the engraving contributes to the visual canon of Bacon's image, though its broader impact on art history or its influence on subsequent depictions of the subject is not detailed in the provided information.
Artist & collection
