“Head III”, created by Francis Bacon in 1961, is an oil-on-canvas painting that falls within the Expressionism art movement. Measuring 35.6 x 30.2 cm, this portrait genre artwork is held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a distorted and haunting depiction of a human head, rendered in Bacon’s characteristic style. The face appears to be smeared and fragmented, evoking a sense of inner turmoil and anguish. The background is stark, which enhances the visceral impact of the distorted features. With its ghastly and emotionally charged composition, “Head III” exemplifies Bacon’s exploration of the human condition and the fragility of identity. The use of bold brushstrokes and muted color palette further intensifies the psychological and emotional depth of the artwork.
