British artist Francis Bacon was born on October 28, 1909. Edward, his father was a horse racer 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 as a flapper, with heels, jewels, and a long cigarette. Growing up he repeatedly ran away from school, as he had grown very 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. As Bacon was beginning to come to terms with his emerging homosexuality, his father was realized and Bacon was removed from the family. When he was 17 years old he went to London with only a 3 pounds allowance from his mother. He was homeless, in and out of jobs. 

His art career started when he saw Picasso’s work at an art gallery. Picasso 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. His patron encouraged him to take up oil painting. An early Patron Eric Hall became Bacon’s lover and supporter. 

“Three Figures” By Francis Bacon.

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. 

The next year Bacon produced his own solo exhibition, it was not well received and Bacon ended up destroying every painting. 

An interesting fact is that during the second world war, bacon didn’t have to go to work because he had asthma. He ended up feeling sick because of the dust at the next job they put him on so finally in 1944 he committed himself to paint. In 1946 he was a well-known artist and spent his time gambling and drinking with friends. 

The painting 1946 is by far my favourite, the unrecognizable figure. It is said Francis Bacon painted dead men in suits to represent the upperclass judging him as a gay man, he feels unaccepted.

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, Henrietta Moraes, and Muriel Belcher.