The artwork titled “Study for a Portrait” was created by Francis Bacon in 1953. It belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is classified under the genre of sketch and study. The artwork’s dimensions are 152 by 118 centimeters.
The artwork depicts a haunting and distorted human figure. The figure, dressed in a suit, occupies the center of the composition, exuding a sense of melancholy and psychological turmoil. The background is characterized by dark, somber tones, with abstract, linear patterns that add to the overall feeling of unease. The brushstrokes are expressive and dynamic, contributing to the grotesque and surreal atmosphere. The figure’s face is especially distorted and almost mask-like, further emphasizing the expressionist nature of the piece. This work encapsulates Bacon’s exploration of the human condition, focusing on themes of existential angst and the fragility of identity.
