Francis Bacon's Pope: Distorted Visions & Velzquez's Influence
Can a single painting truly encapsulate the torment and complexity of the human condition, while simultaneously challenging the very foundations of religious iconography? Francis Bacon's "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" does precisely that, transforming a portrait of papal authority into a visceral scream of existential angst.
The genesis of this unsettling masterpiece lies in a 1953 painting, a reinterpretation of Diego Velzquez's 1650 portrait of Pope Innocent X. Bacon, known for his unflinching gaze into the darkest corners of the human psyche, didn't merely replicate the original. Instead, he took Velzquez's confident, albeit regal, representation and contorted it, twisting the image into a harrowing depiction of vulnerability and suffering. This artistic intervention wasn't a passive act; it was a deliberate disruption, a confrontation with the established symbols of power and faith. The "Study" became a pivotal work, forever linking Bacon's name to the artistic deconstruction of the papacy and the exploration of the human condition.
This seminal work, housed at the Des Moines Art Center, serves as a potent example of Bacon's ability to transmute historical figures into vessels of raw emotion. The serene gaze of Velzquez's Innocent X is replaced by a screaming figure, a vortex of terror and pain. This dramatic shift underscores Bacon's core artistic concerns: the fragility of the human body, the inescapable nature of suffering, and the inherent instability of power. This particular iteration of the "Study" is a testament to his enduring exploration of these themes, and to his willingness to push artistic boundaries.
However, Bacon's fascination with religious imagery wasn't limited to artistic dissection. He frequently returned to the symbols of Christianity, most notably the crucifixion and the pope. This seemingly contradictory interest a professed disdain for religion, juxtaposed with a persistent engagement with its iconography lies at the heart of understanding Bacon's work. This tension is what gives the works their lasting power, a complex push and pull between reverence and critique.
While Bacon's art often appears stark and brutal, there's a profound humanity that underpins his work. The distorted figures, the unsettling compositions, the raw emotionality all serve to expose the vulnerabilities we all share. He didn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths of existence; rather, he confronted them head-on, forcing the viewer to grapple with the darker aspects of the human experience. In many ways, his paintings served as a mirror, reflecting back the anxieties, fears, and suffering that often go unacknowledged.
Interestingly, Pope Francis, despite the potentially challenging subject matter of Bacon's work, admired Caravaggio's paintings. This offers another layer of complexity when exploring artistic appreciation. Caravaggio's work, with its dramatic chiaroscuro and unflinching realism, has a similar emotional power to Bacon's, although their approaches differ considerably. The late Pope's preference for Caravaggio's art hints at an openness to art that reveals the human condition, even in its most challenging and difficult forms.
The late Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, also appreciated the power of art. He appreciated Caravaggio's paintings, saying that "His paintings speak to me," per the Times.
The body of Pope Francis was lying in a casket before it was sealed, at St. Peter's Basilica, ahead of his funeral at the Vatican, April 25, 2025. His life and pontificate have been marked by a commitment to those on the margins of society.
The influence of Francis Bacon on contemporary art is undeniable. His unflinching approach to the human form, his exploration of existential themes, and his willingness to challenge artistic conventions paved the way for countless artists. His legacy extends beyond the canvas, prompting viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths of existence and question the world around them.
Bacon's Study after Velzquezs Portrait of Pope Innocent X (1953), exemplifies this, taking inspiration from Diego Velzquez's 17th-century portrait of Pope Innocent X. This is where the artist explored the power of the portrait and transformed a confident leader into a screaming victim of humanity. This is not the only time that Bacon used the pope as a subject. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Francis Bacon developed what was to become his most famous image: the screaming, snarling or otherwise distorted pope.
The archetype Bacon appropriated as a starting point for his pope series was Diego Velzquezs extraordinary portrait of Pope Innocent X from 1650, held in the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome. The painting is an important part of the artist's career. The piece demonstrates the artist's exploration of art, neuroscience and psychology. Other well-known pieces include "Study after Velzquez" (1950).
The work "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" is one of Francis Bacon's most celebrated and recognizable works and remains one of the most pertinent, universal, and affecting visions in the history of art.
Here's a table providing biographical and professional information related to Francis Bacon:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francis Bacon |
| Born | October 28, 1909, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | April 28, 1992, Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality | British (of Irish descent) |
| Known For | Distorted and expressionistic paintings, especially his depictions of figures, popes, and the human form. |
| Artistic Style | Figurative art, with influences from Surrealism, Expressionism, and photography; characterized by distortion, violence, and emotional intensity. |
| Notable Works | "Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion" (1944), "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" (1953), "Figure with Meat" (1954) |
| Influences | Diego Velzquez, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Surrealism, photography, film |
| Themes | Mortality, violence, the human condition, isolation, the body, religious and historical figures |
| Major Exhibitions | Numerous solo and group exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the Tate Gallery (London), the Centre Pompidou (Paris), and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York). |
| Legacy | Considered one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century, his work continues to be studied and celebrated for its raw emotion and its exploration of the human condition. |
| Related website | Francis Bacon Estate |
The influence of Francis Bacon extended beyond his canvases and into the broader art world. His bold exploration of the human form and his unflinching gaze at the uncomfortable aspects of existence influenced generations of artists. This is the legacy that remains, one of raw emotion and unflinching honesty.
