Francis Bacon

Experience the captivating artistry of Francis Bacon, a renowned artist born in Dublin in 1909. Bacon's powerful and provocative depictions of the human figure have made him an iconic figure in the art world.

At the age of 16, Bacon was forced to leave his home and embarked on a journey to Berlin and Paris. It was during this time that he discovered artistic styles and subject matters that would profoundly influence his career.

Bacon's artistic legacy continues to thrive even after his passing in 1992. In 2013, his mesmerizing triptych featuring the esteemed artist Lucian Freud set a new record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction, reaching a staggering price of $142 million.

Explore our collection and immerse yourself in the world of Francis Bacon's art, including his captivating paintings, etchings, and limited edition prints.

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Artworks

Francis Bacon Biography


Born in Dublin in 1909, Francis Bacon is best-known for his visceral and evocative depictions of the human figure: screaming popes, mutated bodies, and twisted portraits of friends and lovers.

Having been kicked out of home at the age of 16, Bacon travelled to Berlin and Paris where he sought and found the artistic styles and subject matters that would inspire him for the rest of his career.

Bacon’s first masterpiece – entitled Painting 1946 – was purchased by Alfred Barr, the Director of the Museum of Modern Art, in 1948. In the following year, Brausen Gallery in London hosted the first major solo exhibition of his work, and he continued to be represented by the gallery for the next 10 years.

The first major retrospective of the artist’s work was exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris in 1971, a crowning achievement for an artist in the midst of his career. Bacon’s influence only continued to grow after his death in 1992; in 2013, Bacon’s triptych depicting fellow artist Lucian Freud broke the record for most expensive work sold at auction, selling for $142million.

Consign with us

If you own a work by Francis Bacon, we may be interested in purchasing or consigning the piece from you.

If you wish to discuss this further please contact our specialist in 20th and 21st century masters, LuciStephens@clarendonfineart.com

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