Francis Bacon Three studies for a portrait of John Edwards (right panel) For Sale

Portrait of John Edwards (Right Panel) offers an intimate portrayal of John Edwards, one of Francis Bacon’s closest companions during the later years of his life. Edwards, a bar manager from the East End of London, entered Bacon’s life in the mid-1970s, and the two developed a deep, enduring friendship. Although Edwards was over 40 years younger than Bacon, their bond was not only one of companionship but also of profound emotional connection. Bacon often described Edwards as the person who understood him best, and this relationship is reflected in the careful, almost tender depiction found in the lithograph.

In the work, Bacon departs from his typical depictions of violence, turmoil, and distorted agony, choosing instead to explore a more nuanced and subtle portrayal of the human figure. This lithograph represents a significant moment in Bacon’s later works, a time when he seemed to shift away from the brutal expressionism that had defined much of his career. The work speaks not only to the complexities of Edwards' physical presence but also to the emotional resonance that their relationship held for Bacon.

Bacon’s use of colour in this lithograph is crucial to understanding the emotional depth of the work. The palette is markedly subdued compared to the vivid, sometimes violent hues present in his earlier works. Here, the colours suggest a contemplative mood, dominated by softer, muted tones that evoke a sense of calm and reflection. Bacon applies shades of pale grey, soft blues, and flesh tones, all of which contrast sharply with the violent reds, oranges, and blacks of his previous works. This shift in colour reflects a more introspective phase in Bacon’s life, and the lithograph exudes a quiet intensity that speaks to the more personal and emotional aspects of his connection with Edwards.

The background is kept simple and sparse, utilising muted greys or flat, dark spaces that focus the viewer's attention entirely on the figure of Edwards. This isolation of the figure within the frame lends a sense of intimacy to the work, drawing parallels to Bacon’s own isolated emotional life in his later years. The minimalism in the background is also reflective of Bacon’s stylistic shift during this period, moving away from the chaotic, fleshy distortions of space and human form, and focusing instead on a more direct, albeit emotionally complex, engagement with his subject.

This use of more restrained colours emphasises the vulnerability and humanity of Edwards, almost elevating him to a figure of contemplation or quiet reverence. The softer palette works in harmony with the lithograph's simple composition to create an atmosphere of introspection, as though Bacon is using this work not only as a portrayal of his friend but also as a meditation on their relationship, and perhaps on the inevitability of loss and mortality.

Bacon famously worked from photographs rather than live models, and this lithograph is no exception. Edwards, who became a trusted confidant, would often take photographs for Bacon to use as reference material. Bacon’s choice to depict Edwards in this lithograph speaks to the personal significance of their relationship. Edwards’ presence in Bacon’s life marked a turning point where the artist found a measure of solace in his later years, and the lithograph could be seen as a tribute to the bond they shared. Their relationship was not romantic, but deeply intimate, providing Bacon with an emotional anchor after years of tumultuous relationships and personal tragedies.

Buy Francis Bacon Three studies for a portrait of John Edwards (right panel)

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Sell Francis Bacon Three studies for a portrait of John Edwards (right panel)

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Francis Bacon Three studies for a portrait of John Edwards (right panel) 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 Francis Bacon Three studies for a portrait of John Edwards (right panel), contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of signed Francis Bacon prints for sale.