Sir Francis Bacon

Simon de Passe

National Gallery of Art

This is an engraved portrait of a man seated with his torso facing slightly to the right. His face is turned toward the front with a long, slender face, prominent cheekbones, a pointed beard, and a mustache. The man has shoulder-length hair, possibly of a lighter shade. He is wearing a tall, rounded hat with a decorative band, a ruff around his neck, a richly adorned doublet, and a fur-lined outer garment. His right hand is resting on a scroll or piece of paper held close to his chest. Surrounding him is an ornate cartouche frame with Latin inscriptions and decorative elements, including coats of arms at the top. The background features fine line engravings.