The artwork, “Study for Bullfight No.1,” created by Francis Bacon in 1969, is an oil painting on canvas. Belonging to the Expressionism movement, this genre painting measures 198 x 147 cm and is currently housed in a private collection.
“Study for Bullfight No.1” features a dramatic and intense scene, a hallmark of Bacon’s work. The imagery comprises a dynamic, almost chaotic depiction of a bullfight, portrayed in surreal and abstract forms. The composition centers around the struggle between the bull and the matador, set against a stark, vibrant background that contrasts sharply with the fluid, distorted figures. The ground of the bullfighting ring is depicted with an unsettling texture and color palette, emphasizing the brutality and intensity of the event. Towering over the arena, a dark and reflective structure creates a vertical balance to the composition, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. This painting powerfully captures the violence and visceral energy of the bullfight, conveyed through Bacon’s unique expressive brushstrokes and bold use of color.