The most expensive Francis Bacon paintings at auction
£89.0M for *Three Studies of Lucian Freud
US $142,405,000)
In 2013, Bacon’s *Three Studies of Lucian Freud* (1969) became his most expensive work sold at auction, achieving over £89 million at Christie’s in New York. Bacon and Freud met in 1945 and developed a close, complex friendship that lasted nearly three decades. Bacon created three triptychs featuring Freud, with this one being the last. Originally sold to separate collectors, the panels were later reunited for this record-setting sale.
£68.8M for Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus
($84,550,000 USD)
Bacon’s fascination with the Greek tragedy *Oresteia* inspired this 1981 triptych, which sold for £68.8 million at Sotheby’s in New York in June 2020. Bacon credited Aeschylus’s work with opening "the valves of sensation" for him, and this painting is a reflection of the deep resonance the tragedy had with his own emotional and artistic explorations.
£47.9M for Studies for a Portrait of John Edwards
($80,805,000 USD)
Bacon shared a deep friendship with John Edwards, whom he met in the early 1970s. This relationship was one of the most important of Bacon's later life. *Studies for a Portrait of John Edwards*, painted in tribute to his companion, sold for £47.9 million at Christie’s New York in 2014, further underscoring the value of Bacon's personal and intimate portrayals.
£44.2M for *Triptych, 1976
($86,281,000 USD)
In May 2008, *Triptych, 1976* sold at Sotheby’s New York for £44.2 million, setting a new auction record for Bacon at the time. The painting, which explores themes of violence and existential despair, was highly coveted due to its prestigious provenance and exhibition history, including appearances at the Tate Gallery and the Pompidou Centre.
£43.3M for Study for a Portrait of Lucian Freud
($56,829,058.USD)
Between 1964 and 1971, Bacon painted his friend and rival Lucian Freud 14 times. *Study for a Portrait of Lucian Freud* (1964), inspired by a photograph taken by Bacon’s assistant, resurfaced in June 2022 after being out of public view since 1965. It sold for £43.3 million, further testament to the enduring significance of Bacon’s relationship with Freud in his artistic career.
£42.5M for Figure in Movement
($52,160,000 USD)
*Figure in Movement* (1976), an emotionally charged meditation on the fleeting nature of human life, features George Dyer, Bacon’s lover, whose tragic death in 1971 deeply affected the artist. This large-scale canvas, reflecting Bacon's grief and passion, sold for £42.5 million at Christie’s in 2023.
£42.2M for Portrait of George Dyer Talking
($50,160,000 USD)
Bacon created numerous portraits of George Dyer, one of his most significant muses. *Portrait of George Dyer Talking* (1966) is among over 40 works featuring Dyer. Initially sold for £4 million in 2000, it reappeared at Christie’s in 2014 and fetched £42.2 million, further solidifying its status as one of Bacon’s most important pieces.
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£40.1M for Three Studies for a Portrait of George Dyer
($51,767,500 USD)
*Three Studies for a Portrait of George Dyer* (1963) was the first portrait Bacon painted of his lover, just three months into their relationship. Once owned by author Roald Dahl, it sold for just over £40 million at Christie’s in 2017, proving its historical and emotional significance in Bacon’s oeuvre.
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£39.4M for Study for a Head
($50,380,000 USD)
In May 2019, *Study for a Head* (1952) sold for £39.4 million at Sotheby’s. This painting, which delves into Bacon’s early exploration of the human form and psychology, had only been exhibited once before, adding to its rarity and appeal at auction.
£38.5M for Triptych 1986-87
($50,222,700 USD
Sold for £38.5 million in 2022, *Triptych 1986-87* combines personal and historical themes, with references to key 20th-century events such as the Treaty of Versailles and Leon Trotsky’s assassination. The central panel features John Edwards, further showcasing Bacon's blending of personal relationships with grand historical moments.
Francis Bacon’s work continues to captivate collectors and break records at auction, with his emotionally powerful portraits and triptychs leading the charge. His ability to reflect the rawness of human experience and the fragility of the body remains as compelling today as it was during his lifetime. Discover Francis Bacon prints for sale and contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371 for further information.