Francis Bacon (1909–1992) Oil on Canvas

Updated August 7, 2026

Title Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X Medium Oil on Canvas Dimensions 19 × 15 inches (48.3 × 38.1 cm) Date Circa Late 20th Century Condition Good overall condition. Surface presents stable pigment application with expressive brushwork and rich tonal variation throughout. Minor wear consistent with age and handling. The canvas remains structurally sound and display-ready, preserving its dramatic visual impact. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. Provenance From the private collection of Charles Beaumont, London, England; later acquired through Kensington Modern Art Gallery; subsequently held in a distinguished private collection in Dublin, Ireland, before entering the present collection. Description This compelling portrait composition presents a dramatically distorted human figure rendered through expressive brushwork, layered textures, and a striking palette of blues, pinks, blacks, and ochre. The fragmented facial structure and psychological intensity create a powerful visual presence, while the energetic handling of paint emphasizes emotion, movement, and formal experimentation. Attributed to Francis Bacon (1909–1992), this work displays many of the stylistic characteristics associated with the artist's celebrated figurative paintings, including distorted anatomy, expressive impasto, and an exploration of psychological tension through abstraction and form. The composition evokes the visual language that established Bacon as one of the most influential figures of Post-War British art.Condition Report:This artwork is offered as attributed to the artist referenced in the title. An attribution represents an opinion or belief regarding the possible authorship of the work, but it does not constitute a guarantee or certification of authenticity. This artwork is not catalogued, and no representation is made that it has been accepted by the artist's catalogue raisonné, estate, foundation, or any recognized authentication authority. Any provenance information provided with this lot is offered for informational purposes only and should not be considered a certificate of authenticity or definitive proof of authorship. In some cases, provenance information may be limited or unavailable. For additional information regarding this lot, including any available provenance details, condition, or questions about this or other artworks, please contact us through the HiBid platform. We encourage all bidders to carefully review the complete description, photographs, and terms of sale before placing a bid. Works offered as attributed, particularly those that are uncatalogued, may trade on the secondary market at values that differ significantly from works that have been fully authenticated, catalogued, or accepted by the appropriate authentication authorities.

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