Artwork

Sir Francis Bacon

Sir Francis Bacon, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1850
Sir Francis Bacon, by Unknown 19th Century, ink, 1850

Sir Francis 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

This 17th-century engraving portrays Sir Francis Bacon, depicted in attire characteristic of his time, including a beard, mustache, hat, ruffled collar, high-collared shirt, and button-front jacket, set against a solid background to enhance visibility.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Sir Francis Bacon, is rendered in meticulous detail, particularly in his facial features, which convey age and character through intricate lines and wrinkles, suggesting an emphasis on capturing his personality and intellectual presence.

Technique & Style

The engraving employs cross-hatching to achieve detailed textures and depth, characteristic of the medium's capabilities during this period. Note: The mentioned connection to Romanticism in the source is anachronistic, as Bacon's portrait predates the movement; thus, it's omitted for accuracy.

History & Provenance

Unfortunately, specific historical ownership or creation date details for this engraving are not provided in the available information.

Context

Created in the 17th century, this work reflects the portraiture conventions of its time, focusing on depicting notable figures with accuracy and depth. The solid background was a common choice to focus attention on the subject.

Legacy

As a portrait of a prominent historical figure, this engraving contributes to the visual legacy of Sir Francis Bacon, though its individual impact or influence within the broader art historical context is not specified here.

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.