The Mystery of Francis Bacon

William Thomas Smedley was an American artist born in 1858 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, into a Quaker family. His parents' names are not widely documented, but his upbringing in a devout and disciplined environment influenced his early years. He began his artistic career working for a newspaper before pursuing formal training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His education provided him with a strong foundation in engraving and illustration, skills that would shape his later work. Seeking to refine his artistic abilities, he traveled to Paris, where he studied under Jean-Paul Laurens, gaining exposure to European artistic traditions. Throughout his career, he became known for his detailed illustrations, contributing to publications such as Harper s Weekly. His art often depicted scenes of American life, capturing both everyday moments and historical events. Later in life, he developed an interest in literary and historical analysis, leading him to write The Mystery of Francis Bacon, in which he explored theories about the philosopher s hidden influence. He died in 1920 in Bronxville, New York, leaving behind a legacy as both an artist and a thinker whose work remains preserved in collections such as the Norman Rockwell Museum.