Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is to open its new exhibition 'Francis Bacon: From Picasso to Velázquez' on 30 September. The show will explore the influence of both French and Spanish cultures in Francis Bacon's art. Almost 80 works will showcase six decades of Bacon's paintings and pieces from some of the Spanish and French masters who influenced Bacon the most. Museo Guggenheim Bilbao promises some of the most important and yet least exhibited paintings by Bacon are to be displayed when the show opens later this month, and runs through to 8 January 2017.
“Picasso opened the door to all these systems. I have tried to stick my foot in the door so that it does not close. Picasso was one of that genius caste which includes Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and above all Velázquez”. - Francis Bacon
One of Bacon's most evident Spanish influences was the artist's obsession with Velázquez’s 'Portrait of Pope Innocent x' 1650, of which Bacon produced more than 50 variations on the motif. Interestingly, in 1954, when on a trip to Rome, Bacon did not take the opportunity to view Velázquez's original piece, when the work was on display at the Galleria Doria Pamphilj. A bold example of Bacon's preference to paint from reproductions. This exhibition is curated by Martin Harrison FSA, author of the 'Francis Bacon: Catalogue Raisonné'. The show is organised by the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, in collaboration with Grimaldi Forum Monaco, who earlier this year exhibited their show 'Francis Bacon, Monaco and French Culture' (read our previous post on this past exhibition here.) 'Francis Bacon: From Picasso to Velázquez' 30 September 2016 - 8 January 2017 Museo Guggenheim Bilbao, Spain Word ref:Museo Guggenheim Bilbao website and press release. Please note all details including names, dates and featured works, opening days/hours are subject to change, for all confirmation please contact Museo Guggenheim Bilbao.
