Portrait of Nicholas Bacon Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)

The engraving presents a formal portrait of a man in what appears to be late sixteenth-century attire. He is depicted from the chest upwards, positioned centrally within an oval frame embellished with foliage and fruit motifs. The figures gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of authority and directness.
Here we see a man of considerable stature; his face bears the marks of age, etched with lines suggesting experience and perhaps gravitas. He wears a dark cap, likely velvet or similar material, adorned with subtle detailing. A large, elaborate ruff encircles his neck, indicative of status and wealth. The fur-trimmed coat further reinforces this impression of prominence.
The composition is carefully structured to communicate power and learning. The man rests upon a substantial architectural element – a table or plinth – which serves as a visual base for the figure. Upon this surface lies an open book, its pages displaying what seems to be heraldic imagery. This detail strongly suggests intellectual pursuits and potentially a connection to legal or administrative roles. The text inscribed on the table’s front panel further reinforces this association with officialdom.
The engravings use of light and shadow is notable. A chiaroscuro effect highlights the man’s face, drawing attention to his features while leaving portions of his clothing in relative darkness. This technique contributes to a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. The meticulous rendering of textures – the fur, the fabric, the paper – demonstrates considerable technical skill on the part of the engraver.
Subtly, the portrait conveys an image of stability and established order. The formal pose, the rich clothing, the presence of the book – all contribute to a sense of dignified permanence. It is likely intended as a record of a man holding significant position within his society, emphasizing not only individual character but also belonging to a specific lineage or institution.