Francis Bacon

Edition of 150 with Arabic numbering, 25 H.C. (Hors Commerce), 10 E.A. (artist proofs). Inspired by the painting of the same title in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

After Three Studies for a Self-Portrait (1979) is a deeply introspective work that presents three slightly distorted views of his face emerging from a black background. Created in the wake of his lover George Dyer’s suicide, the triptych reflects Bacon’s grief, self-examination, and ongoing struggle with identity, age, and loss. Despite nearing seventy, Bacon avoids depicting signs of ageing, instead portraying a face suspended in time, symbolising his complex relationship with mortality.

The triptych format, offering three perspectives of Bacon’s face, suggests a fractured sense of self. The distortions reflect his intense self-criticism and dissatisfaction with his appearance. The dark colour palette and isolated heads create an oppressive atmosphere, focusing attention on the distorted features that convey the emotional and psychological impact of his life experiences.

The work captures Bacon's psychological tension, with the viewer invited to explore different facets of his character across the panels. Bacon, a private individual, used photographs rather than direct self-observation to achieve detachment, allowing him to manipulate and distort his image while shielding his deeper emotions from full exposure.

For further information on the original painting please visit the Francis Bacon Estate page: https://www.francis-bacon.com/artworks/paintings/three-studies-self-portrait-6