Artwork
Sir Francis Bacon
Sir Francis Bacon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The border around him has swirling letters and symbols, including the words *"METUAM RA"* and *"HONORI"* at the top.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man in old-fashioned clothes. He wears a wide-brimmed hat, a ruff collar, and a dark coat with buttons. His hands rest on a book or paper. Above his head is a coat of arms with two small figures and a shield.
The border around him has swirling letters and symbols, including the words *"METUAM RA"* and *"HONORI"* at the top. The text below his face reads *"Honor... Mortuus 9 Aprilis Anno Dni 1626"*—meaning he died in 1626.
This is an example of engraving, a technique where artists carve images into metal plates.
Overview
This engraving is a portrait of Sir Francis Bacon, created by Simon van de Passe in 1621. The black-and-white print features intricate details and symbolic elements.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Bacon in formal attire, with a coat of arms above his head and a partially legible inscription below, indicating his date of death as April 9, 1626. The surrounding border contains cryptic phrases and symbols, adding to the image's complexity.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the engraving technique, where the artist carved the image into a metal plate. The resulting print features delicate lines and textures, characteristic of this traditional method.
Artist & collection
