Portret van wetenschapper Francis Bacon after 1626

Editor: Here we have Simon van de Passe's portrait of Francis Bacon, an engraving made after 1626. The image feels very formal and somewhat austere to me, with all the decorative elements surrounding Bacon. What jumps out at you? Curator: This portrait presents an opportunity to think about the power dynamics inherent in representation. Look at how Bacon is framed – quite literally – within symbols of wealth and status. The rigid composition, the Latin inscription... it all constructs a very particular narrative of authority and intellectual prowess. But who controls that narrative, and for what purpose? Editor: So, it's not just about showing who he was, but about crafting a specific image? Curator: Exactly. Consider the historical context: Bacon was a figure of immense power and influence, but also deeply implicated in the political structures of his time. To truly understand this portrait, we have to unpack the ideological underpinnings that shaped both Bacon’s life and van de Passe’s artistic choices. What does it mean to immortalize a figure like this through art, and how does it reflect the values of the society that commissioned it? Does the ornamental setting give more relevance to his figure? Editor: That’s fascinating. It makes me wonder about the choices that go into creating someone's public image, even centuries ago. Thank you, this really adds a new layer to understanding portraiture. Curator: And hopefully, prompts us to consider the public images being made today and how to interpret them.