Sir Nathaniel Bacon

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Sir Nathaniel Bacon

by Sir Nathaniel Bacon
oil on panel, feigned oval, circa 1625
22 5/8 in. x 17 1/2 in. (575 mm x 445 mm)
Purchased, 1926
Primary Collection
NPG 2142

Sitterback to top

  • Sir Nathaniel Bacon (1585-1627), Country gentleman and painter. Sitter in 3 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Sir Nathaniel Bacon (1585-1627), Country gentleman and painter. Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

An exceptionally skilful amateur painter, Bacon is shown here as a wealthy gentleman, rather than as an artist. The strong contrast between light and shade, the polished refinement of the painting and the painted stone oval which surrounds the portrait, all reflect Bacon's knowledge of Netherlandish art.

Linked publicationsback to top

Events of 1625back to top

Current affairs

James I dies at Theobalds Palace, Hertfordshire and the Prince of Wales becomes Charles I. Charles's queen, Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry IV of France, arrives in Dover escorted by George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.
The court moves to Oxford temporarily due to an outbreak of the bubonic plague.

Art and science

Under the patronage of the queen, a new theatre company is formed, the Queen Henrietta's Men. Richard Perkins is a founding member.

International

Edward Cecil, Viscount Wimbledon, is recommended by George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham to command a naval expedition to Spain. Though some Spanish ships were captured, Wimbledon failed to destroy Cadiz where most of the Spanish fleet was moored.
Treaty of The Hague is signed between England and the Dutch Empire.

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