Artwork
Sir Thomas Meautys, Secretary to Sir Francis Bacon
Sir Thomas Meautys, Secretary to Sir Francis Bacon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Greatbach. It dates from 1841 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The name at the bottom reads *Sir Thomas Meautys*, and the date says 1841, meaning this is a later copy of an older portrait.
This black-and-white engraving shows a man in fancy 17th-century clothes. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a ruffled collar, and a long coat with lots of buttons. His right hand rests on a sword at his side, and he’s holding a glove in his left. The background has a fence and trees under a cloudy sky.
The name at the bottom reads *Sir Thomas Meautys*, and the date says 1841, meaning this is a later copy of an older portrait. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the fabric look real.
Look up engraving to see how artists like this one used tiny etched lines to make detailed prints.
Overview
This engraving is a portrait of Sir Thomas Meautys, created in 1841 by William Greatbach. It is a black-and-white print that depicts Meautys in 17th-century attire.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is shown wearing elaborate clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and a long coat, with a sword at his side and a glove in his hand. The image is likely based on an earlier portrait, given the date of the engraving is later than the subject's period.
Technique & Style
The engraving features fine lines that create detailed shadows and textures, giving the impression of realistic fabric. The artist achieved this level of detail through the use of tiny etched lines, a characteristic technique of engraving.
Artist & collection
