Francis Bacon (1909-1992) Study for Self-Portrait, courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2012. (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR £21,545,250
A study for a self portrait by Francis Bacon is a highlight of Christie’s auction on Post War and Contemporary art on June 27. Painted in 1964 the work marries the artist’s face to the figure and friend of fellow painter Lucian Freud.
It represents one of only twelve, floor-length self-portraits ever to be realised by Francis Bacon, four of which are now held in international museum collections.
Christie’s Francis Outred said that this is the only full length self portrait known to combine the artist’s physiognomy with the physique of Freud, derived from a series of celebrated photographs taken by John Deakin in the 1960s. “It is a rare painting from the height of Bacon and Freud’s relationship, paying tribute to the creative and emotional proximity both felt for a time. Part of the same artistic circle, the artists deeply impacted one another, both in terms of personality and practice”.
UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR £21,545,250