Francis Bacon: Human Presence

Brilliant exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery examining Francis Bacon and portraiture.

It took a broad look at the subject not only including portraits of friends and lovers but also his interpretations of Old Masters, so there were quite a few screaming popes.

The section at the end on friends and lovers included short biographies and I’m off the investigate a few of the colourful characters. The show included several of the source photographs and magazine cuttings direct from his studio, crumpled and splattered in paint.

I loved the use of quotes from Bacon which gave an insight into his ideas and aims. I particularly like his theory that a portrait should “Give over all the pulsations of a person” but it did get a bit overused in the show.

I’m not sure I will ever love Bacon but I came away with a much better understanding of him. I think my favourite works were the triptychs of a sitter.

Closed 19 January 2025


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