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
Overview
Simon van de Passe’s 1621 engraving presents a formal portrait of Sir Francis Bacon, a prominent figure of early‑17th‑century England. Executed in black‑and‑white, the print captures the sitter in a dignified pose, surrounded by ornamental borders and heraldic devices that underscore his status.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts Bacon wearing a fur‑trimmed robe and a broad‑brimmed hat, his face marked by age lines, a short beard and mustache. The inclusion of a coat of arms—complete with shield, crown and supporting figures—identifies him as “The right Hon. Francis Lo. Verulam,” indicating his noble rank and political standing.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employs fine line work and cross‑hatching to render textures of fabric, fur and facial features, achieving a nuanced tonal range without colour. The decorative frame, filled with swirling motifs and inscribed letters, reflects the intricate border conventions typical of early modern printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1621, the engraving was likely produced for distribution among Bacon’s acquaintances and patrons, serving both as a likeness and a marker of his public reputation. As a work by a noted Dutch engraver active in England, it exemplifies the cross‑cultural artistic exchanges of the period.
Context
The portrait emerges at a time when Bacon held high office, including Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and was engaged in political and philosophical pursuits. Portrait engravings such as this functioned as a means of disseminating the image of influential individuals beyond the reach of painted portraits.
Artist & collection
