Edition of 100 with Arabic numbering and a further edition of 46 with Roman numbering; no known proofs. Inspired by the painting of the same title in the collection of the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Caracas, Venezuela.

After Figure at a Washbasin exemplifies Bacon’s exploration of the human condition through distortion, anguish, and raw physicality. In this etching and aquatint, Bacon presents a solitary, contorted figure clutching a washbasin, suggesting desperation or a search for solace. The figure’s twisted, muscular form, rendered with sweeping strokes, reflects vulnerability and existential struggle, a hallmark of Bacon's work.

The washbasin, typically associated with cleansing, becomes a symbol of internal conflict, as the figure appears trapped in a cycle of futile self-purification. This struggle is intensified by the claustrophobic, circular composition and the contrasting colours—fleshy tones against a stark red surface—that evoke both private agony and public spectacle. Skeletal fragments on the floor and ambiguous background objects reinforce themes of mortality and decay.

This work, deeply reflective of Bacon’s post-war existential concerns and personal demons, focuses on a single figure, amplifying the isolation and torment. The figure’s grotesque, yet beautiful, form embodies Bacon's fascination with the chaotic, painful nature of existence, portraying a futile yet deeply human quest for meaning and redemption.

For further information on the original painting please visit the Francis Bacon Estate page: https://www.francis-bacon.com/artworks/paintings/figure-washbasin