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 Sir Francis Bacon in a formal pose typical of early‑seventeenth‑century portraiture. The image isolates the figure against an unadorned backdrop, emphasizing his attire and expression. The work exemplifies the period’s interest in rendering individual status through precise line work and compositional restraint.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Sir Francis Bacon, is depicted wearing a ruffled collar, a dark doublet with elaborately carved sleeves, and a tall, flat‑crowned hat. His curly hair frames a direct, steady gaze that meets the viewer, suggesting confidence and intellectual authority. The hand rests on a small, cross‑adorned object, possibly a book or box, hinting at scholarly or moral associations.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employs fine, intersecting lines to model the textures of fabric, hair, and metal, achieving a convincing sense of depth within the limits of the engraving medium. The plain background serves to focus attention on the figure, while the meticulous hatching conveys the sheen of silk and the weight of the attire, reflecting the detailed realism favored by Dutch and Flemish printmakers of the era.
History & Provenance
Created in 1621, the engraving was likely intended for circulation among patrons and scholars familiar with Bacon’s philosophical work. Copies of the print have appeared in early modern collections of portraiture, and the image has been reproduced in various catalogues of van de Passe’s oeuvre, confirming its attribution and dating within the artist’s productive period in the Dutch Republic.
Artist & collection
