Francis Bacon Seated Figure 1983 For Sale

Francis Bacon’s after Seated Figure - from Study for a Portrait (1981) is an exploration of the human form, distortion, and psychological depth, reflecting Bacon's ongoing fascination with the themes of isolation, anguish, and the fragility of existence. Through his manipulation of perspective, subject matter, and form, Bacon creates a work that transcends mere representation, inviting viewers into a disorienting and unsettling world that challenges conventional notions of identity and corporeality.

Bacon’s use of perspective in Seated Figure is a defining feature of the work, contributing to its disquieting and enigmatic quality. The central figure is placed in a confined, almost box-like space, with the background divided into two contrasting areas: one a flat, dark expanse and the other a reflective surface, likely a mirror. This spatial arrangement creates a sense of both enclosure and duality, as the figure appears simultaneously isolated and multiplied. The mirror reflection is not an exact replica but rather a distorted, fragmented echo of the seated figure, reinforcing the idea of fractured identity and perception.

The figure’s position within the confined space, seated on a simple chair, accentuates the sense of vulnerability and entrapment. The use of sharp, angular lines around the chair contrasts with the fluid, almost melting form of the figure, heightening the tension between structure and chaos. The circular arc behind the figure’s head, resembling a halo, is incomplete, adding a sense of incompletion or ambiguity to the image. This use of geometric forms—a circle juxtaposed with the linearity of the chair and floor—creates a visual tension that draws the viewer’s eye towards the central figure, emphasising its distorted and disintegrating form.

The figure’s face is especially noteworthy—blurred, smeared, and almost obliterated. This deliberate erasure of identity is a recurring motif in Bacon’s work, suggesting the idea of the self as something fluid, mutable, and ultimately unknowable. By distorting the face, Bacon strips the figure of individuality, transforming it into a universal symbol of suffering and existential uncertainty. The fragmented reflection in the mirror further emphasises this loss of identity, as it seems to suggest that even in our most private moments, we are not entirely whole or complete.

The contrast between the figure’s fleshiness and the stark, empty background highlights the themes of vulnerability and mortality. Bacon often drew inspiration from the works of medical textbooks, photography, and film stills, incorporating these influences to convey the visceral reality of the human body. In after Seated Figure - from Study for a Portrait (1981) this influence is evident in the way the flesh appears both tangible and fragile, as if on the verge of disintegration. It is as if Bacon is reminding the viewer of the transience of life, the inevitability of decay, and the ultimate futility of the human experience.

This print, like many of Bacon's works, can be seen as an extension of his interest in existentialist themes, reflecting his fascination with the works of writers and philosophers like Nietzsche, Sartre, and Beckett, who explored the absurdity and anguish of the human condition. Bacon's distortion of the human figure becomes a metaphor for the fragmented nature of human experience, the sense of being caught between different states of being, and the struggle to find meaning in an often indifferent world.

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Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Bacon market for over 25 years. To enquire about buying Francis Bacon Seated Figure, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Francis Bacon Seated Figure

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Seated Figure print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Seated Figure print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Francis Bacon prints for sale.