Francis Bacon's "Study After Velzquez": A Deep Dive
Does a single painting possess the power to simultaneously captivate and disturb, to echo across centuries, and to redefine the very essence of artistic expression? The answer, unequivocally, is yes, particularly when that painting is Francis Bacon's "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X." This visceral and haunting work, created in 1953, remains a pivotal touchstone in the history of modern art, a testament to the enduring power of the human form and the depths of human emotion.
This striking piece, housed at the Des Moines Art Center, Iowa, is a derivative of the iconic portrait of Pope Innocent X painted by Diego Velzquez in 1650. Bacon, a British artist renowned for his raw and often brutal depictions of the human condition, returned to Velzquez's masterpiece repeatedly throughout his career, creating a series of approximately 45 variations during the 1950s and early 1960s. He was clearly "obsessed" with the source material, repeatedly referencing the original image of the Pope. But rather than a mere imitation, Bacon's "Study" is a profound meditation on power, vulnerability, and the psychological landscape of the human soul. The anguished scream that emanates from Bacons Pope isn't found in Velzquez's original. It becomes a focal point, and a point of departure.
| Full Name | Francis Bacon |
| Born | October 28, 1909, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | April 28, 1992, Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality | British (Born in Ireland) |
| Known For | Painting, Expressionism |
| 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), "Self-Portrait" series |
| Artistic Movement | Expressionism |
| Style | Figurative, characterized by distorted figures, raw brushwork, and psychological intensity |
| Subject Matter | Human figure, often depicted in states of anguish, isolation, or violence; portraits, religious themes, and depictions of power. |
| Influences | Diego Velzquez, Michelangelo, Surrealism, classical art |
| Official Website (Reference) | Francis Bacon Estate |
The painting, a study in oil on canvas, measures 153 x 118 cm. It's a dramatic reinterpretation of Velzquez's original portrait. Bacon transforms the confident, almost imperious figure of Velzquez's Pope into a screaming, vulnerable subject. The artist's choice of such a potent image as a point of departure underscores his fascination with the human form, and in particular, its capacity for both suffering and grandeur. The 'Study' is a powerful demonstration of the artist's exploration of the human condition.
The 1950s were a period of intense artistic exploration for Bacon. His work was often characterized by a feverish experimentation with new subjects and styles. The "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" embodies this spirit, acting as a symbolic and dramatic reinterpretation of a piece of art that had come before. The screaming mouth of the pope is a striking visual element. It shatters the image of the powerful and self-assured pontiff found in Velzquez's original work. The painting isn't just a portrait; its a psychological drama, a visual scream that reverberates with a raw, visceral power. This particular portrayal of the pope is recognizable. It's Bacon's most recognizable image. It shows vulnerability and represents a departure from traditional papal portraiture. In this way, Bacon's art challenges the traditional portrayal of power, and provides a broader critique of Christianity.
The original portrait by Diego Velzquez, a painting "regarded as one of the greatest paintings ever," depicts Pope Innocent X in 1650. Velzquez, the master of the Spanish Golden Age, captured the pontiff with extraordinary realism, depicting him in all his worldly power and authority. The painting is renowned for its psychological depth, its masterful use of light and shadow, and the almost palpable sense of the Pope's shrewd intelligence. The painting's impact is still visible today, with modern interpretations of it appearing in the modern art world.
Bacon, however, wasn't interested in simply replicating this image. He appropriated the archetype as a starting point for his pope series. Bacon's focus was on something more profound the inherent fragility of the human condition, even in the face of immense power. He aimed to capture the emotional intensity, the internal turmoil, of the figure. In his re-imagining, the Pope is stripped of his external trappings of power, left vulnerable, and subjected to judgment.
In this piece, Bacon masterfully transforms the confident leader into a screaming victim. His Pope is not the assured figure of Velzquez. Instead, the pontiff is trapped in a vortex of despair, his scream echoing in a space of contracting intensity. The scream itself becomes the central focus. It expresses a primal, universal emotion. Bacon's technique, characterized by distorted forms and raw brushwork, amplifies this sense of torment. His works provide a unique view of the expressionist movement. The painting doesn't seek to beautify or idealize; it delves into the raw essence of human experience. The emotional impact of the work is profound.
To understand Bacon's work, it's essential to recognize his fascination with the human body and his tendency to dissect it visually. The artist's paintings often depict distorted and fragmented figures, reflecting the psychological and physical vulnerability of the human experience. For Bacon, the act of painting was an act of exploration, a way of confronting the darkness and complexities of human existence. His "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" is the ultimate embodiment of this approach. It is a demonstration of how the great masters may be reinvented.
The artwork's impact, celebrated in the art world, is a bold challenge to the traditional views. Bacon's "Study" doesn't merely depict the Pope; it critiques the very notion of power and authority. By presenting the Pope in a state of intense emotional vulnerability, Bacon challenges the idealized image of the pontiff. The artist invites the viewer to confront the human condition in all its complexity. This is a work that serves as a point of departure for many artists. It encourages a different kind of dialogue, and remains a powerful example of its style.
This is just one of the many works inspired by Velzquezs portrait of Pope Innocent X. Bacon's work doesn't simply echo Velzquez's painting; it engages with it, interrogates it, and transforms it into something new and deeply personal. Bacon's work forces a confrontation with the most profound aspects of being human, revealing a truth that transcends the confines of time and place. This piece, for instance, is held in Des Moines, Iowa. The painting serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art. It is a testament to the artist's unique perspective, and his ability to transform the mundane into the transcendent.
The painting is now showcased in the Des Moines Art Center. The work is an oil on canvas painting, and measures 153cm x 118cm. It is a stark, emotionally resonant work. The scream, the distorted features, the sense of confinement all serve to amplify the feeling of intense emotional pain. This is a piece which can affect any viewer, creating a feeling of unease. In contrast, the traditional representation of the pope is typically associated with strength and power.
The work explores the vulnerability of the human experience. The expressionist movement is well-known for works with this theme. Bacon's interpretation is a dramatic reinterpretation of the original portrait, providing a new perspective on the well-known work by Velzquez. The impact of the work, as it relates to the emotions it evokes, is undeniable.
The legacy of "Study after Velzquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" extends far beyond its immediate impact. It has become a symbol of the power of art to confront, to challenge, and to provoke. The painting is an enduring testament to Bacon's genius and his ability to tap into the deepest recesses of the human psyche. The "Study" does not give a simple answer, and provides a wide space for introspection and contemplation. This painting is a striking and essential work of modern art. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the essence of the human experience.
