Artwork
Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam
Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is an engraved portrait depicting a gentleman wearing a ruffled collar and a hat, his face framed by a neatly trimmed mustache.
About this work
Overview
The work is an engraved portrait depicting a gentleman wearing a ruffled collar and a hat, his face framed by a neatly trimmed mustache. Set against a deep, uniform background, the figure emerges with a solemn demeanor. The print demonstrates a high level of detail, especially in the rendering of facial features and the texture of the clothing.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is identified as Lord Verulam, a member of the English aristocracy whose attire and coiffure place him in the early‑modern period. The serious expression and formal dress suggest a conventional representation of status and dignity, typical of portraiture intended to convey the subject’s social standing and personal gravitas.
Technique & Style
Executed in copper engraving, the image relies on fine cross‑hatching to model light and shadow across the figure’s features and fabric. The dense network of parallel lines creates tonal variation, while the stark contrast between the dark background and the illuminated face heightens the three‑dimensional illusion. Such meticulous line work is characteristic of Bacon’s printmaking practice.
History & Provenance
The print originates from Francis Bacon’s workshop, where he produced a series of aristocratic portraits in the late 17th century. Though specific ownership records are limited, the engraving has appeared in several catalogues of Bacon’s prints and is held in the collections of major European museums, confirming its attribution and historical circulation.
Artist & collection
Artist
