Francis Bacon's Two Studies for Self-Portrait, 1977 is due to be exhibited and auctioned by Sotheby's in London, as part of their Contemporary Art Evening Auction on February 10th.
“I've done a lot of self-portaits, really because people have been dying around me like flies and I’ve had nobody else to paint but myself.” - Francis Bacon quoted in 1975.
By 1977, many of Francis Bacon's closest companions including his lover George Dyer had passed away, having an effect on Bacon's physical and emotional artistic subject pool. Whilst these panels are not the first time Bacon has captured himself, nor that a self-portrait has been associated with an artist's perception of mortality, this work does present for interpretation a classic example of Bacon's very direct, intense and quite literally dark take on life. In both panels Bacon's ongoing relationship with the painting of the mouth is further explored, with the right panel's mouth contorted and seemingly screaming as the artist's face starts to be pulled into a black abyss. Ahead of its Contemporary Art Evening Auction, Sotheby's highlights exhibition is set to display Francis Bacon's Two Studies for Self-Portrait. The exhibition is a ticketed event, however tickets are available free of charge from Sotheby's. Please find here and below exhibition dates and times*. Sat, 07 Feb 15 | 12:00 pm - 05:00 pm GMT Sun, 08 Feb 15 | 12:00 pm - 05:00 pm GMT Mon, 09 Feb 15 | 09:00 am - 07:00 pm GMT Tue, 10 Feb 15 | 09:00 am - 12:00 pm GMT More information on Francis Bacon's Two Studies for Self-Portrait, 1977 is available via Sotheby's website. Additionally a video is also available to view with Sotheby's providing further insight on Bacon's work. Word reference: Sotheby’s website. Francis Bacon quote: David Sylvester, Interviews with Francis Bacon, 4th ed., 1993, London: Thames & Hudson, page 129. *Please note all details including exhibition dates and details are subject to change and availability, for all confirmation please contact Sotheby’s London.
