Artwork
Lord Bacon
Lord Bacon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Holl I. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Lord Bacon is an oval portrait engraving created by William Holl I in 1804. It depicts a solemn, straight-gazing individual with distinctive wavy hair pulled back, set against a plain, subtly textured background evoking old paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, identified as Lord Bacon, is portrayed with a serious demeanor, characterized by a slight frown. The overall solemnity suggests a representation emphasizing dignity and intellectual gravity.
Technique & Style
The engraving utilizes cross-hatching, evident in the fine, crisscrossing lines on the subject's face and attire. This technique achieves depth and shading in the monochrome work, enhancing the portrait's dimensionality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1804 by William Holl I, specific details regarding the engraving's commission, original display, or changes in ownership are not provided in the available information.
Context
As an early 19th-century engraving, Lord Bacon reflects the period's preference for detailed, expressive portraits. The use of cross-hatching aligns with contemporary printmaking practices emphasizing texture and depth.
Legacy
The enduring significance or influence of Lord Bacon by William Holl I on subsequent art or printmaking techniques is not specified in the given context, suggesting a need for further research to assess its broader impact.
Artist & collection
