The artwork titled “Study for Portrait of Isabel Rawsthorne” was executed by Francis Bacon in 1964. This piece is associated with the Expressionist movement, a genre characterized by the artist’s emphasis on emotional experience over physical reality. It is a sketch and study, implying that the artwork may have been preparatory work for a later, more finished piece, a common practice in Bacon’s oeuvre.
The artwork depicts a seated figure, which, considering the title, is presumably Isabel Rawsthorne. Set against a stark, dark background that fades into blackness at the top, the figure occupies a space that appears isolated and somewhat theatrical. She is positioned on a chair, sitting atop a pink-toned platform with an ambiguous shadow cast beside her. The figure itself is rendered with loose yet controlled brushwork, indicative of Bacon’s style, where forms are simultaneously distorted yet recognizable. The face of the subject is obscured by streaks of paint, which is a hallmark of Bacon’s approach to portraiture, where identity is often cloaked or disfigured to convey psychological intensity. The use of color is limited but impactful, with the white of the blouse standing out against the muted tones of the surroundings and the flesh. The posture of the figure, combined with the application of paint, creates a sense of tension and unease, as is typical in the emotional landscapes Bacon is known for crafting.