Francis Bacon Figure Writing Refleced in the Mirror For Sale

Francis Bacon’s 1977 lithograph Figure Writing Reflected in a Mirror depicts a male figure in white underwear, which closely resembles Bacon's lover, George Dyer. Dyer was a central figure in Bacon's life, both emotionally and artistically. His tragic suicide on the eve of Bacon’s major retrospective at the Grand Palais, Paris, in October 1971, profoundly impacted the artist. The timing of Dyer’s death not only shocked Bacon but also led to a series of deeply personal works exploring loss, despair, and memory. 

The work is thought to reflect both Bacon and Dyer. The figure’s black hair can be interpreted as a representation of both the artist himself and his lover. The fusion of their identities suggests the depth of Bacon’s connection to Dyer, who had been a constant presence in his life and work. The duality of the figure hints at Bacon's mourning and his struggle to separate himself from Dyer's memory, possibly blurring the boundaries between the two figures as a metaphor for the lasting influence Dyer had on Bacon's psyche.

In Figure Writing Reflected in the Mirror the subject’s contorted form, the stark lighting, and the scattered objects on the floor all contribute to the sense of unease that often pervades Bacon's oeuvre. The crumpled papers may suggest failed attempts at communication, personal anguish, or the impossibility of truly capturing the complexity of Bacon's emotions in the aftermath of Dyer's death.

Dublin-born Bacon was known for his fascination with literature, from the tragic plays of the Oresteia to the works of T.S. Eliot. The figure in the painting is seated, writing, with crumpled paper scattered on the floor beneath him. This imagery may be interpreted as a manifestation of Bacon’s obsession with the written word, a rare occurrence in his body of work. In fact, no other known work  by Bacon shows a figure engaged in writing, making this piece unique within his oeuvre. The figure’s act of writing could symbolise Bacon’s introspection and his attempt to make sense of his life and losses, particularly in the wake of Dyer’s death.

The reflection of the figure in the mirror, another common motif in Bacon's art, suggests a further layer of complexity and introspection. The mirror might serve as a tool of self-examination or doubling, creating an image that simultaneously captures the physical presence of the figure and hints at the deeper emotional and psychological themes that dominated Bacon’s work during this period. The reflection could also symbolise the inescapable presence of Dyer in Bacon’s mind, even after his death, haunting the artist and appearing in the very process of artistic creation.

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With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Figure Writing Reflected in the Mirror 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 Figure Writing Reflected in the Mirror print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Francis Bacon prints for sale.