The artwork titled “Study for the Human Body (Man Turning on the Light)” was created by Francis Bacon between the years 1973 and 1974. It belongs to the Expressionist movement and falls under the genre of sketch and study. Measuring 198 by 147 centimeters, this piece is a vivid exploration of the human form and movement.
The artwork portrays a naked man in the act of reaching upward to turn on a light bulb. The figure, depicted in a dynamic pose, is partially obscured by a green, rectangular structure which stands out starkly against the more muted backdrop. The musculature and twisted posture of the man are rendered with striking clarity, showcasing Bacon’s vigorous brushwork and his fascination with the human body in moments of tension. The stark lighting and sharp contrasts in the composition heighten the sense of drama, emphasizing the man’s physicality and struggle.