Francis Bacon's Head with Raised Arm, 1955 and Study of Red Pope, 1962. 2nd version, 1971, are due to be included in a free public display in London by Christies.
Until this display and auction, the location of Bacon's Head with Raised Arm, 1955 was untraceable during the compiling of the catalogue raisonné. The painting's reappearance is considered a remarkable reappearance of Francis Bacon art. The piece was last exhibited in 1962, at the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna, Turin, and acquired by the present owners in the following year.
The auction house highlights that Study of Red Pope, 1962. 2nd version, 1971 has been unseen in public since its unveiling at Bacon's landmark retrospective at the Grand Palais 46 years ago. Martin Harrison FSA compares the work to its first version (Study from Innocent X, 1962) in the 'Francis Bacon: Catalogue Raisonné':
'The paint is applied more sparingly, and indeed almost half the canvas is left unpainted. On the other hand, Bacon introduced an entirely new element in the later painting, the figure (presumably George Dyer) seen reflected in the curved mirror to the right.'
The display of these rarely seen Bacon works begin on 30 September at Christies' King Street address, proceeding their 'Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Auction' in October, find out more via Christie's website.
Word reference: Christies website and the 'Francis Bacon: Catalogue Raisonné'
*Please note all details including names, dates and featured works, opening days/hours are subject to change. Ahead of a visiting, we recommend contacting the Christies for all confirmation regarding the display.
