The artwork titled “Self-Portrait” by Francis Bacon, created in 1978, is an oil painting on canvas. As part of the Expressionism art movement, this self-portrait measures 35.5 x 30.5 cm and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork features a distorted yet compelling depiction of the artist. Bacon’s self-portrait captures a solitary figure, seated in a crouched position, with one arm resting on his knee and the other lifting what appears to be the collar of his shirt. The figure is surrounded by a circular motif, which adds a sense of entrapment or isolation. His face is characterized by Bacon’s signature distorted, almost grotesque, style—a hallmark of his expressionist technique, that conveys deep emotional intensity. The muted background contrasts with the dynamic and somewhat chaotic representation of the figure, further emphasizing the feeling of inner turmoil and existential contemplation inherent in Bacon’s works.