Title Page for Sylva Sylvarum, Francis Bacon

Thomas Cecil

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a globe suspended between two pillars with ornamental details, with the heavens above. Two winged cherubic heads are depicted above, surrounded by clouds and rays of light emanating from a central point where Hebrew text is placed. The lower half of the image features the drawing of a large globe labeled "Mundus Intellectualis" resting on a scroll, which bears the text "SYLVA SYLVARUM or A NATURAL HISTORY." The surrounding scene is embellished with clouds and celestial elements. A banner near the bottom contains information about the work's authorship and publication, dated 1629. The composition blends elements of classical architecture and celestial representation, with detailed etching that emphasizes texture and contrast.