The artwork “Portrait of Isabel Rawsthorne” was crafted in 1966 by the artist Francis Bacon. It is an expressionist portrait with dimensions measuring 35.5 x 30.5 cm. As a representation within the expressionism movement, this piece of art encapsulates the psychological intensity and emotional depth often associated with expressionist works.
The artwork depicts a figure against a dark background, the features and contours of the face are notably distorted, a hallmark of Bacon’s style. The color palette is relatively subdued with various shades of black, grey, and white, punctuated by flesh tones that highlight the facial features. The subject’s gaze is not directed towards the viewer, but rather off to the side, which gives a sense of contemplation or introspection. The brushwork appears vigorous and fluid, contributing to the overall sense of movement and dynamism in the portrait. Bacon’s technique creates an air of haunting disfigurement, a reflection of his penchant for revealing the psychological condition through physical representation.