Sir Francis Bacon

About this work

This black-and-white engraving shows a serious-looking man in a wide-brimmed hat and ruff collar, sitting in a chair. Behind him is a scroll with Latin words. A small cherub kneels beside him, holding a scroll too. The edges of the picture have fancy swirls and a border of leaves. The man’s stern face and the cherub’s presence suggest he might be a scholar or thinker. The Latin words on the scrolls hint at wisdom or learning. Want to know more? Look up engraving to see how artists create detailed images like this.