Bacon

Art Historical Context

This engraving, titled *Bacon* and created by William Henry Worthington 1825, reproduces a portrait originally by the Flemish artist Paulus Somer I in early seventeenth century. Worthington, in the medium of engraving translated the earlier oil painting into a precise black-and-white print measuring over eight by five inches. Such reproductivegravings were common in the nineteenth century, wider audiences to study and appreciate historical likenesses that might otherwise remain accessible only in private collections. Paulus van Somer I was known for his elegant court portraits in England, and this print preserves his distinctive approach to formal composition and detail. The engraving technique itself highlights the meticulous line work required to capture textures of fabric, facial features, and background elements, demonstrating how printmakers of the period bridged fine art and public education. Housed in the National Gallery of Art’s Rosenwald Collection, the work exemplifies the important role of prints in documenting and circulating images of notable figures across centuries. Visitors can appreciate how Worthington’s careful interpretation keeps van Somer’s vision alive for new generations.