Student Artwork Guide
4 parts 1 The artwork2 In context3 Artist and museum4 Look closely
Copyright This work is in the public domain. john bacon died in 1799; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1869.
In context
Father Thames — john bacon
Shaded: the lifetime of john bacon (1740–1799)
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/john-bacon-father-thames-9CWHX3-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Rosy Brown #beb091
Catalogued palette
Artist and museum
Father Thames — john bacon
Born in Southwark, United Kingdom
John Bacon (1740 – 1799) stands as a pivotal figure in British portraiture during the Enlightenment, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to realism and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable sensitivity. Born in Southwark, London, Bacon’s artistic journey began amidst the burgeoning intellectual fervor of his time, shaping him into one of the most respected artists of his generation. While biographical details remain somewhat sparse – largely due to the limitations of archival records – his prolific output speaks volumes about his talent and enduring legacy.
Bacon's early training encompassed both drawing and painting, fostering a foundational understanding of artistic principles that would inform his subsequent endeavors. He honed his skills under the tutelage of William Hogarth, arguably London’s most influential painter of the era, absorbing Hogarth’s satirical wit and meticulous observation—traits that would become hallmarks of Bacon's own style. This formative influence undoubtedly contributed to Bacon’s distinctive approach: prioritizing anatomical accuracy alongside psychological insight.
His artistic career flourished during a period marked by significant social and political change.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/john-bacon-father-thames-9CWHX3-en/
Look closely
Father Thames — john bacon
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Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.