Francis Bacon: Human Presence

This book examines Francis Bacon's unique approach to portraiture, highlighting his innovative techniques and personal connections through his artwork.

Exploring the intricate relationship between Francis Bacon and portraiture, Francis Bacon: Human Presence delves into how the artist redefined this genre from the 1950s onward. The book presents a comprehensive look at Bacon's work, showcasing pieces that reflect his responses to earlier portraiture while also memorializing his personal connections, including lost lovers and friends. With contributions from both private and public collections, readers can appreciate the depth of Bacon's life story through his art.

This publication marks the first dedicated to Bacon's portraits in over two decades, coinciding with an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It features a variety of works, including his famous triptychs and haunting figures, as well as intimate portraits that reveal the psychological complexities of his subjects. The collection not only highlights Bacon's artistic evolution but also emphasizes the influence of his contemporaries, providing a broader context for his innovative approach to portraiture.

Edited by curator Rosie Broadley, Francis Bacon: Human Presence enriches the reader's understanding of the artist through biographies and photographs of his circle. A series of essays from contemporary thinkers offer diverse insights into Bacon's individuality, further illuminating the significance of his portraits and the world he inhabited. This book invites readers to engage with the profound emotional resonance of Bacon's work, making it a valuable addition to the study of modern art.