Study for Portrait of Van Gogh III (1957) by Francis Bacon

Study for Portrait of Van Gogh III - Francis Bacon - 1957

Artwork Information

TitleStudy for Portrait of Van Gogh III
ArtistFrancis Bacon
Date1957
Dimensions198 x 137 cm
Art MovementExpressionism

About Study for Portrait of Van Gogh III

The artwork, titled “Study for Portrait of Van Gogh III,” was created in 1957 by artist Francis Bacon. It belongs to the Expressionism movement, characterized by its focus on representing emotional experiences rather than physical reality. The dimensions of this expressive piece measure 198 by 137 centimeters, categorizing it as a large work. The genre of the artwork is identified as a sketch and study, evidencing an exploratory approach by Bacon as he engaged with the subject matter of the famed artist Van Gogh.

This artwork exhibits a vibrant and textured portrayal of a figure set against a backdrop that is both tumultuous and colorfully intense. The brushwork is erratic and seems to convey a sense of emotion and movement, which is aligned with the expressive intent of the art movement the piece is associated with. Expressionism’s characteristic use of exaggerated color and form to evoke an emotional response is clearly observed in the sweeping reds that form the ground and the stark contrast created by the deep blues found in the background. The figure within this landscape appears contemplative and solitary, imbued with a sense of internal struggle or contemplation, which may be reflective of Van Gogh’s own tormented psyche as interpreted by Bacon. The style does not strive for an accurate representation but rather an emotive one, capturing the essence of the subject rather than the literal details.

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