The artwork, “Study after Velazquez” by Francis Bacon, created in 1950, is a significant piece within the Expressionism movement. Measuring 198 x 137 cm, this work of art belongs to the genre of sketch and study, highlighting Bacon’s exploration and reinterpretation of earlier masterpieces.
In the artwork, one can perceive a vivid and haunting depiction rooted deeply in emotional and psychological intensity, characteristic of Bacon’s style. The figure appears distorted and ghostly, suggesting a complex play of both presence and absence. This ethereal form is seated amidst vertical draped lines, rendering a dramatic emphasis on the sense of isolation and existential anguish. The colors used, predominantly murky purples and harsh reds, contribute to the oppressive and somber atmosphere. The figure’s face, with an open mouth, seems to convey a silent scream, embodying a profound sense of horror and despair. The study, while introspective, evokes a powerful visual and emotional experience, reflective of Bacon’s broader commentary on human condition and suffering.
