Artwork

Lord Bacon

Lord Bacon, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1850
Lord Bacon, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1850

Lord Bacon 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.

About this work

Overview

The work is an engraved print titled “Lord Bacon,” depicting a formally dressed gentleman in a solemn pose. Rendered in black and white, the image concentrates on the sitter’s face and attire against an unadorned background, emphasizing the figure’s presence without distraction.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents a man wearing a broad-brimmed hat, a ruffled collar, and a dark coat whose sleeves are embellished with intricate patterning. His expression is serious, suggesting a dignified or authoritative status, typical of portraiture intended to convey rank or character.

Technique & Style

The engraving employs fine, intersecting lines to model light and shadow, a method known as cross‑hatching. By layering these lines, the artist achieves subtle tonal variations that render the textures of fabric and the contours of the face with considerable precision.

History & Provenance

The piece is identified as a print, indicating it was produced in multiples from a single engraved plate. No further details about its creation date, the engraver, or its ownership trail are provided in the source material.

Artist & collection

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