Artwork
Lord Bacon
Lord Bacon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist James Hopwood I. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
James Hopwood I’s 1786 engraving presents a portrait of a dignified gentleman, identified by the inscription as Lord Bacon. Rendered in black ink on paper, the image is enclosed within a circular frame and bears the artist’s note that it was derived from an original picture. The print’s aged, yellowed surface underscores its eighteenth‑century origin.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown wearing a large hat, a ruffled collar, and a dark coat with a patterned sleeve, his face marked by fine lines that suggest age and gravitas. The composition emphasizes the sitter’s status and seriousness, typical of portraiture intended to convey the social standing and character of a titled individual.
Technique & Style
Executed in traditional line engraving, the work relies on intricate incised lines to model light, texture, and depth. The crispness of the contouring and the subtle cross‑hatching create a nuanced rendering of fabric and facial features, exemplifying the precise, labor‑intensive methods characteristic of late‑eighteenth‑century printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created by the English engraver James Hopwood I, the print was produced shortly after the original portrait was painted, as indicated by the inscription stating it was “engraved from an original picture.” The work has survived on paper that has acquired a characteristic patina, reflecting its passage through collections over more than two centuries.
Artist & collection
