Artwork
Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Marshall. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1640 engraving by William Marshall depicts Francis Bacon, a prominent figure, in a formal and contemplative pose.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Bacon as a scholar and writer, indicated by the quill in hand, open book, and magnifying glass, symbolizing his intellectual pursuits.
Technique & Style
The work utilizes cross-hatching, a technique of crisscrossing lines to achieve shading and texture, characteristic of detailed black-and-white engravings of the period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1640 by William Marshall, the engraving's provenance is not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation context.
Context
Part of a tradition where engraving was used to create detailed, distributable portraits of notable figures, reflecting the era's appreciation for intellectual representation.
Legacy
This engraving contributes to the visual legacy of Francis Bacon, capturing his image for posterity in a style emblematic of early 17th-century printmaking.
Artist & collection
