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Francis Bacon — Studies of the Human Body (after 1979)

Studies of the Human Body (after 1979)

A visceral and unsettling exploration of the human form, this work embodies Bacon's signature approach of distorting and fragmenting the body into raw, fleshy masses that pulse with psychological tension. Characteristic of his post-1979 period, the figures appear simultaneously alive and decomposing, caught in a state of anguished transformation against stark, claustrophobic spaces. Bacon's brutal manipulation of anatomy strips away conventional beauty to reveal something primal and deeply unsettling about human existence.

Spotted At: Auction House · Phillips

🔨 Auction Lot

Evening & Day Editions

January 22, 2026

Estimate: $2,500 – $3,500

Sold: $5,418

Lot 92

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Collectors of Francis Bacon

Sebastián In Situ

5 owned

Also spotted by

Sebastián Naranjo

7 spotted

About this work

Francis Bacon, Studies of the Human Body (after 1979)

A visceral and unsettling exploration of the human form, this work embodies Bacon's signature approach of distorting and fragmenting the body into raw, fleshy masses that pulse with psychological tension. Characteristic of his post-1979 period, the figures appear simultaneously alive and decomposing, caught in a state of anguished transformation against stark, claustrophobic spaces. Bacon's brutal manipulation of anatomy strips away conventional beauty to reveal something primal and deeply unsettling about human existence.

Seen at: Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Print, Series, Dark, 20th Century, Blue Chip, Psychological, Dark Palette, Renowned Artist, Male Artist, Triptych Format, Distorted Forms, Expressionism, British Artist, Printmaking, Distorted Form, Figurative Expressionism, LGBTQ+ Artist, Modern Art, Post-War, Visceral Mood, Nude, British, Human Figure, Lithograph, Figurative, Muted Color, Anatomical Study

More works by Francis Bacon

Collected by

Sebastián In Situ, Sebastián Naranjo