“Self-Portrait I” by Francis Bacon, created in 1972, belongs to the Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre of self-portraiture. The artwork is a contemplative and introspective depiction rendered with dramatic and expressive brushstrokes, characteristic of Bacon’s style.
The subject of the artwork is a human face, depicted with a striking sense of distortion and abstraction. The facial features appear to be blurred and blended, creating a haunting and visceral image. The color palette includes hues of blues, purples, and a touch of red, suggesting a complex emotional depth. The background is dark, which further accentuates the stark luminosity and intensity of the face. The use of light and shadow brings a three-dimensional quality to the visage, yet the abstraction introduces an almost surreal quality, evoking a sense of unease and introspection.