The artwork, titled “Triptych Inspired by Oresteia of Aeschylus,” was created by Francis Bacon in 1981. This figurative piece belongs to the Expressionism art movement. Bacon’s triptych visually interprets the themes of Aeschylus’ ancient Greek trilogy, showcasing intense emotional and psychological states.
The triptych is composed of three panels, each encapsulating a unique, yet interconnected scene. Each panel appears to feature amorphous, distorted figures enmeshed in a desolate, cage-like space, reflecting a sense of confinement and distorted reality. The central figures in each panel exhibit grotesque and contorted forms, evoking visceral reactions and compelling viewers to grapple with feelings of anguish and torment. The sparse, abstract backgrounds further intensify the focus on these tormented beings, drawing eyes towards their suffering and the confinements surrounding them. The use of muted tones with occasional stark contrasts adds to the foreboding atmosphere, aligning with the tragic nature of the Oresteia narrative.