Untitled

Untitled

Francis Bacon

1956

oil

From the collection of Museum of Modern Art

About this work

This painting shows a blurred face against a dark background. The colors are mostly muted, but there’s a glow around the head—like light shining through fog. The brushstrokes are thick and uneven, making the figure look both close and distant. The face isn’t clear, but the way the light hits it gives a sense of mystery. The artist used thick paint in some spots, which adds texture. Look up impasto next to see how artists use thick paint like this.

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