British artist Francis Bacon was born on October 28, 1909. Edward, his father, was a horse racer and office man during world war two, and his mother was a socialite. He was a figurative painter known for his unexpected, raw, unsettling imagery. He was widely known for his crucifixions but throughout his painting career, he did self-portraits, portraits of popes and portraits of his friends. His childhood was spent at Cannycourt, he was a shy child and he enjoyed dressing in a feminine manner. In 1924 at a fancy family party, Bacon dressed up as a flapper, with heels, jewels and a long cigarette. Growing up, he repeatedly ran away from school, as he had grown unhappy as he felt out of place. Bacon’s household became abusive and brutal when his sexuality began to come out to his family members. Bacon was beginning to come to terms with his sexuality but his father was repulsed and Bacon was removed from the family. When he was just 17 years old, he went to London with only a 3 pounds allowance from his mother.

Bacon was homeless, in and out of jobs. His art career started when he saw Picasso’s work at an art gallery. Picasso’s 1927 exhibition inspired Bacon to take a painting class and start painting himself. His love for art led him to become an interior designer. Bacon then established himself and he brought his childhood nanny, Jessie Lightfoot, back to London with him as she was a beacon of light for him. Not only was his nanny close with him, but when he and Eric began throwing illegal gambling parties, she was the hat-check lady at the door. One patron, the painter Roy de Maistre, encouraged him to take up oil painting. Another early Patron was Eric Hall, who later became Bacon’s lover and supporter.

The three studies were painted after the first world war and some believe it was a reflection of the horrors from the holocaust. This was based on a crucifixion of Greek furies and was considered the start of his art career. 

Crucifixion By Francis Bacon was made to attract attention and was based on Picasso’s “the three dancers” It was shown in 1933 in London.

This painting is in a series called the screaming heads and it is based on Diego Velazquez’s rendering of the pope’s portrait. The series was a reflection of how he felt towards the pope and the church because they didn’t understand or accept homosexuality. The cage-like lines around the figure are also thought to represent claustrophobia and anxiety.

Francis painted this in 1953, and it was presented at the Hanover Gallery. It shows two men embracing a bed. This painting caused outrage among the public because of the obscene subject manner.

Although his reputation throughout history has its ups and downs, Bacon was full of personality, well-read and street smart. He spent time with friends like Jeffery Bernard, John Deakin, Daniel Farson, Hentietta Moraes and Muriel Belcher.