Artwork
Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Albans
Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Albans is an ink print by the Baroque artist George Vertue. It dates from 1728 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
If you like this style, look up engraving to see how artists used fine lines to create depth.
This engraving shows a serious-looking man in fancy 17th-century clothes. He’s wearing a high-collared shirt, a long coat with buttons, and a belt with a tassel. His right hand rests on a piece of furniture, and his left hand holds a document. The background is dark and plain, focusing all attention on him.
The text at the bottom names him "Francis Bacon," a title that suggests he was important. The artist’s signature and date (1728) are also carved into the print.
If you like this style, look up engraving to see how artists used fine lines to create depth.
Overview
This 1728 engraving by George Vertue portrays Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Albans, in a somber, detailed likeness, emphasizing his dignified presence against a subdued background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, identified by inscription as Francis Bacon, is depicted in attire reflective of 17th-century nobility, conveying his importance. His pose, with one hand on furniture and the other holding a document, suggests intellectual or authoritative presence.
Technique & Style
Characterized by fine lines and meticulous detail, the engraving exemplifies the medium's capacity for depth and texture. The dark, plain background focuses attention on the subject, highlighting Vertue's compositional restraint.
History & Provenance
Created in 1728 by George Vertue, the engraving's provenance details are not specified here, though the inclusion of the artist's signature and date indicates a deliberate record of its creation.
Context
While the engraving's religious classification is noted, the image's focus on the subject's secular, intellectual demeanor suggests a broader commemorative or biographical intent rather than an overtly religious theme.
Legacy
The engraving serves as a historical record of Francis Bacon's visual legacy, though its broader influence or significance within Vertue's oeuvre or the development of engraving techniques is not explicitly outlined in available information.
Artist & collection
