Francis Bacon (artist)

Francis Bacon, the renowned painter known for his bold, grotesque, and emotionally raw imagery, was born on October 28, 1909, in Dublin, Ireland. Bacon's work is celebrated for its vivid and sometimes violent imagery, often exploring themes of existential dread, human suffering, and the complexities of identity. Despite limited formal training, Bacon became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art in the 20th century.

In early 1944, Francis Bacon completed the triptych "Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion," a seminal work that marked a turning point in his career. Exhibited in April 1945 at the Lefevre Gallery in London, the work shocked audiences with its raw depiction of tormented figures. It laid the foundation for Bacon's reputation as a master of dark, visceral painting.

In 1962, the Tate Gallery in London organized the first major retrospective of Francis Bacon's work, cementing his status as one of the leading artists of his time. This exhibition was a critical and public success, showcasing many of Bacon's significant works and highlighting his unique approach to themes of human emotion and isolation. It was an important moment in his career, broadening his recognition and influence.

On October 26, 1971, a major retrospective of Francis Bacon's work opened at the Grand Palais in Paris. This prestigious exhibition was an immense honor and one of the highlights of his career, as he was the youngest artist given the retrospective there in the 20th century. Tragically, the opening coincided with the suicide of Bacon's close friend and lover, George Dyer, deepening the emotional significance of the event.

On May 21, 1988, Francis Bacon's celebrated painting, Triptych 1976, was sold at Sotheby's for $6.3 million, setting a new record for the artist at auction. This sale was indicative of Bacon's significant standing in the art world and his work's high demand and value among collectors. The triptych encapsulates many of the themes prevalent in Bacon's oeuvre, such as power, violence, and human vulnerability.

Francis Bacon passed away from a heart attack on April 28, 1992, while in Madrid, Spain, at the age of 82. He left behind a powerful legacy as one of the 20th century's most eminent and provocative painters. His work continued to influence the art world profoundly, precipitating numerous exhibitions, retrospectives, and scholarly studies posthumously, thus cementing his impact on contemporary art.

On May 15, 2008, Francis Bacon's painting "Triptych, 1976" was sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for a record-breaking $86.3 million. This sale marked a new high for Bacon's artwork, reflecting the growing appreciation and value of his art globally. It highlighted the importance of his contributions to 20th-century art and reaffirmed his place among the most compelling modern artists.

In a landmark auction on November 12, 2013, Francis Bacon's triptych "Three Studies of Lucian Freud" was sold at Christie's in New York for an astounding $142.4 million. This set a new world record for the most expensive artwork sold at auction at that time, surpassing Edvard Munch's "The Scream." The triptych underscores Bacon's complex relationship with fellow artist Lucian Freud and epitomizes his artistic exploration of the human form.

A new exhibition, "Francis Bacon: Books and Painting," opened on January 21, 2020, at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This exhibition focused on the influence of literature on Bacon’s work, showcasing how his massive library of over 1,300 books impacted his art. The exhibition was an exploration of the dialogues between texts and images in Bacon's oeuvre, offering insights into the literary inspirations behind his visceral art.

On February 15, 2023, a previously unknown painting by Francis Bacon was unveiled at the Gagosian in New York. The piece, titled "Figures in Motion," was authenticated as a genuine Bacon work and adds to the understanding of his artistic evolution. Its discovery offered fresh insights into Bacon's technique and thematic preoccupations, reaffirming his continuing impact on the art world years after his death.