Francis Bacon Oedipus and the Sphinx after Ingres For Sale

An after taken from Francis Bacon’s 1983 oil on canvas, Oedipus and the Sphinx After Ingres, is a striking reimagining of a classical myth, filtered through the lens of modern existentialism and expressionism and continues in Bacon’s tradition of visceral, emotionally charged works, where the human form is both distorted and redefined. 

Bacon draws inspiration from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’ neoclassical depiction of the same mythological encounter, where Oedipus confronts the Sphinx in a moment that symbolises the riddle of existence. However, Bacon’s version strays far from the smooth, idealised forms of classical painting, opting instead for a raw, unsettling depiction of the figures. His Oedipus is contorted and twisted, his physical form stretched and fragmented, a reflection of the emotional and psychological turmoil that underscores Bacon’s oeuvre. The Sphinx, though less discernible in form, becomes an abstract presence—its menace more psychological than physical, much like Bacon’s take on the trials of existence itself.

The palette Bacon employs is subdued yet evocative. Dominated by fleshy pinks and muted flesh tones, the composition exudes a sense of vulnerability, heightened by splashes of black and metallic highlights that provide depth and tension. These metallic elements seem to evoke armour or machinery, subtly referencing the inhuman forces that shape human suffering and identity in Bacon’s existential view. The background is stark and minimal, with vague architectural forms that hint at classical structures but offer no refuge for the central figure. This sense of isolation emphasises the futility of Oedipus’ struggle and positions the work in a space that feels detached from reality, almost dreamlike, yet profoundly impactful.

Bacon’s choice to abstract the narrative goes beyond mere mythological retelling. He takes the neoclassical structure of Ingres and distorts it into something far more unsettling—turning a narrative of triumph into a meditation on existential despair. The human body, central to Bacon’s oeuvre, becomes a battleground where the forces of life, death, and fate collide. His expressive distortions bring to the surface the hidden anxieties of the human psyche, making Oedipus less a heroic figure and more an embodiment of suffering and inevitable decay.

In this work, Bacon opens a dialogue between the past and the present, between classical antiquity and modern existentialism. His reinterpretation of Ingres’ work strips away the idealism of the neoclassical era, replacing it with a tortured, fractured vision of humanity. The mythological narrative becomes secondary to the exploration of the human condition—its fragility, its violence, and its inevitable confrontation with mortality. Through the dramatic use of colour, shadow, and form, Bacon engages the viewer in a complex psychological study that compels us to confront the darker aspects of existence.

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With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Francis Bacon Oedipus and the Sphinx after Ingres 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 Oedipus and the Sphinx after Ingres print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of signed Francis Bacon prints for sale.