The artwork, titled “Study for a Nude,” was created by Francis Bacon in 1951. It is an expressionist piece that measures 198 by 137 centimeters. The genre of the work is a nude painting, specifically categorized as a sketch and study.
The artwork depicts a solitary figure, curled within a confined, dimly lit space. The distortion and abstraction of the human form, a characteristic feature of Bacon’s style, evoke a sense of vulnerability and existential angst. The background, composed of dark vertical drapery, accentuates the stark, raw depiction of the figure, creating a haunting atmosphere. The overall composition utilizes minimal color, relying predominantly on shades of black and grey, which heighten the dramatic intensity and focus on the figure’s corporeal presence.