The artwork, titled “Study for Self-Portrait,” was created by Francis Bacon in 1973. This piece belongs to the Expressionism art movement and falls under the genre of self-portraiture.
The artwork captures a distorted and abstract representation of Bacon’s visage, showcasing his unique approach to self-portraiture. The composition is dominated by sweeping brushstrokes and fragmented forms that convey a sense of inner turmoil and psychological depth. The face is depicted in a profile view, but the features are heavily manipulated, creating an almost grotesque appearance. The use of dark and muted colors enhances the somber and intense atmosphere of the piece. Notably, a clock is subtly integrated into the composition, adding a layer of symbolism pertaining to the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of existence. The background is rather indistinct, focusing the viewer’s attention on the contorted facial features and the raw emotion they evoke.
