Titled “Owls” and painted by Francis Bacon in 1956, the artwork is an expressionist oil painting on canvas, measuring 61 x 50.8 cm. This work, falling under the genre of animal painting, currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts two owls rendered in a dramatic and somewhat abstract manner, leaning towards expressionist style. Dominated by cool tones, primarily shades of blue and gray, the owls appear somewhat obscured or shadowed, blending into the background. Their forms are intertwined with a few boldly painted branches, adding texture and depth to the composition. The use of broad, vigorous brushstrokes and the dark, almost shadowy coloration suggest a sense of mystery and intensity, characteristic of Bacon’s approach to capturing the essence and raw emotion of his subjects. The overall ambiance of the artwork invokes a feeling of solemnity and contemplation.
