Artwork

Sir Francis Bacon

Sir Francis Bacon, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621
Sir Francis Bacon, by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621

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

This is a black-and-white portrait of a serious-looking man in old-fashioned clothes.

This is a black-and-white portrait of a serious-looking man in old-fashioned clothes. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a ruffled collar, and a dark coat. His hands rest on a round object, maybe a book or a globe. Above his head is a fancy coat of arms with two small figures holding it up.

The text below his face says he died in 1626 at age 66. His outfit and the style of the portrait look like they’re from a long time ago.

If you like this kind of detailed drawing, check out engraving.

Overview

This engraving is a portrait of Sir Francis Bacon, created by Simon van de Passe in 1621. It is a black-and-white print featuring the subject in formal attire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Bacon wearing old-fashioned clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and ruffled collar, with his hands resting on a rounded object, possibly a book or globe. A coat of arms is displayed above his head, supported by two figures.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases intricate detail, characteristic of the medium. The style of Bacon's clothing and the portrait's composition suggest an earlier period.

History & Provenance

The print is dated to 1621, while the text below Bacon's image indicates he died in 1626 at the age of 66.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Simon van de Passe

Artist

Simon van de Passe

Simon van de Passe (1595–1647) was an artist, born in Cologne.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.