Figure Study II 1946

Francis Bacon made this painting with oils, and the more I look at it, the more I can feel his hand in every brushstroke. Just imagine him, wrestling with the canvas, trying to capture the raw essence of a human form. The dominant palette is this intense, unsettling red, which Bacon uses to create a space that feels both claustrophobic and exposed. The figure almost seems to be emerging from the chaos of the paint, with these thick, swirling strokes defining the contours of the body. Then there's that dark mass above the figure's head – is it an umbrella, a shadow, or something else entirely? It adds to the sense of mystery and unease. I think that Bacon, like many of us, was grappling with the complexities of human existence, using paint as a way to make sense of the world. And in doing so, he invites us to join him in this ongoing exploration, pushing the boundaries of what painting can be.