Who painted Franciscus Bacon?

Franciscus Bacon was painted by Hubert François Gravelot in 1736.

Where can I see Franciscus Bacon?

Franciscus Bacon is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Franciscus Bacon?

Franciscus Bacon is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Franciscus Bacon

Hubert François Gravelot , 1736

Franciscus Bacon is an ink print by the Baroque artist Hubert François Gravelot. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1736 engraving, *Franciscus Bacon*, is a work by Hubert François Gravelot, showcasing his contribution to introducing Rococo aesthetics to 18th-century Britain through his engravings and illustrations.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Francis Bacon, framed circularly, with allegorical elements: a globe-bearing woman (possibly representing Wisdom or Discovery) above, and symbols of knowledge (compass, book) below, suggesting themes of wisdom, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Technique & Style

Characterized by a lighter, ornamental style, the engraving embodies Rococo's decorative tendencies, with swirling scrolls, curved typography, and detailed textures, highlighting Gravelot's mastery of the medium in disseminating French Rococo trends in Britain.

History & Provenance

Created in 1736 by Hubert François Gravelot, a Paris-born artist who relocated to London in 1732, the engraving reflects his role in popularizing French decorative arts in Britain during the early 18th century.

Context

Part of a broader cultural exchange, *Franciscus Bacon* illustrates how Gravelot's work facilitated the adoption of Rococo style in British art and design, influencing the period's visual culture through accessible printed media.

Legacy

While specific long-term impacts of *Franciscus Bacon* on individual artists are not well-documented, Gravelot's engravings, including this piece, played a significant role in the temporary popularity of Rococo in Britain, leaving a mark on the country's early 18th-century artistic landscape.

Artist & collection

Artist

Hubert François Gravelot

Hubert-François Bourguignon, commonly known as Gravelot (26 March 1699 – 20 April 1773), was a French engraver, a famous book illustrator, designer and drawing-master.