Portret van Nicolas Bacon 1736 - 1738

This is Jacob Houbraken's portrait of Nicolas Bacon, an engraving now held at the Rijksmuseum. The image presents Bacon in a formal style, framed by classical motifs, and suggests a narrative of power and prestige tied to the sitter's social standing. Houbraken, working in the 18th century, was part of a Dutch tradition of printmaking that often served to immortalize or celebrate figures of authority. Consider how Bacon's attire and the surrounding ornamentation – the draped fabric, the architectural elements – contribute to an image of authority closely linked to the rise of humanism and the centralization of power in England. His clothing signals wealth and status, while the Latin inscription highlights the importance of literacy and classical learning in governance. To truly understand this portrait, we can consult period documents, biographies, and institutional records. With these resources, we can better understand how the image of power was being carefully constructed and disseminated in the social and political context of the time.