Artwork

Anna, Lady Bacon, Daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke and Wife of Sir Nicolas Bacon

Anna, Lady Bacon, Daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke and Wife of Sir Nicolas Bacon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Henry Richard Cook. It dates from 19 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This stipple engraving portrays Anna Bacon, daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke and wife of Sir Nicolas Bacon.

About this work

Overview

This stipple engraving portrays Anna Bacon, daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke and wife of Sir Nicolas Bacon. Executed by Henry Richard Cook, the image presents the sitter’s face and upper torso against a dark backdrop, emphasizing the details of her attire and accessories.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures a woman of aristocratic standing, indicated by her elaborate dress, high collar, and ornamental headpiece. The inclusion of a prominent black flower on the garment may signify personal or familial symbolism, while the overall composition reflects the status and identity of the sitter within her social milieu.

Technique & Style

Cook employs the stipple engraving method, using fine dots to render tonal variations and delicate textures. This approach allows for subtle modeling of flesh tones and the intricate lace collar, while the dark background provides contrast that highlights the sitter’s features and the richness of her costume.

History & Provenance

Created in the early nineteenth century, the print was likely commissioned to commemorate Anna Bacon’s marriage or family connections. It has since entered public collections, where it serves as a visual record of the Cooke and Bacon families and their place in English gentry.

Context

The work belongs to a period when portrait engravings were a common means of disseminating images of notable individuals beyond painted originals. Such prints catered to a market interested in lineage and social standing, aligning with broader trends in British portraiture of the era.