Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban
1 portrait of Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban
by William Marshall, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, 1640
9 5/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. (246 mm x 148 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D27996
Sitterback to top
- Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561-1626), Philosopher and Lord Chancellor. Sitter associated with 63 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Simon de Passe (1595-1647), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 200 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
- William Marshall (circa 1617-1649), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 190 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D21281: Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban (from same plate)
- NPG D5878: Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban (from same plate)
- NPG D39994: Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban (from same plate)
Linked publicationsback to top
- EEBO (Early English Books Online), p. frontispiece
- EEBO (Early English Books Online), p. frontispiece
- Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626, The historie of the reigne of King Henry the Seventh written by the Right Hon. Francis Lord Verulam, Viscount S. Alban; whereunto is now added a very usefull and necesary table, 1641, p. frontispiece
- Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626, Of the advancement and proficience of learning; or, The partitions of sciences IX bookes / written in Latin by the most eminent, illustrious, & famous Lord Francis Bacon baron of Verulam, Vicont St Alban, Counsilour of Estate and Lord Chancellor of England.; Interpreted by Gilbert Wats.., 1640, p. frontispiece
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1640back to top
Current affairs
Second Bishops' War. James Graham, Marquess of Montrose, leading the Scottish armies, occupies northeast of England. Defeat at the Battle of Newburn forces impoverished Charles to sign Treaty of Ripon.Long Parliament. Habeas Corpus Act is passed, abolishing the Star Chamber. Impeachment of Royalists, Earl of Strafford and Archbishop Laud.
Art and science
Author, James Howell, writes Dodona's Grove, a historical allegory of events since 1603. A renowned royalist, Howell's anti-parliamentary remarks in the book would later attract accusations from parliamentarians.The last Caroline masque before the outbreak of civil war, Salmacida Spolia by Sir William Davenant, is performed at Whitehall Palace.
International
Frederick William becomes Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia. The Elector's policy of religious tolerance benefited his state during the religious struggles dominating the Thirty Years' War.The Bay Psalm Book is published, the first book to be printed in British North America.
Comments back to top
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Gary Keegan
26 August 2019, 15:12
This exact print was used as the frontispiece for the 1641 (sixth edition) of ' The History of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh' by Francis Bacon.