The artwork titled “Study for Self-Portrait,” created by Francis Bacon in 1979, is an expressionist piece rendered in oil on canvas. This self-portrait measures 35.5 x 30.5 cm and currently resides in a private collection.
In this artwork, Bacon employs his characteristic expressionistic style, portraying his own visage in a haunting and distorted manner. The face appears partially abstracted, merging into the dark background, suggesting a sense of emotional turmoil and introspection. The use of muted, yet stark colors enhances the evocative and unsettling mood of the piece. Lines and shadows converge to form a fragmented depiction, capturing both the physical and psychological complexity of the artist’s self-perception. The brushwork and color blending are indicative of Bacon’s unique approach to exploring the human condition through expressionism.