Head I

This is Head I (1948) by Francis Bacon - an artist famed for his use of distorted and disconcerting imagery.

This painting adheres to many of the themes found in his paintings. Firstly, the subject is confined within a dark box/room, with thin white lines highlighting the edges of the walls and celing with the background filled in a single flat colour. This technique is often used in Bacon's work to place the emphasis on the subject.

The subject is a distorted and somewhat tortured looking figure resembling the shoulders and neck of a man. The most distinguishing features of this creation are the misplaced ear and chin (which are both disproportionate) as well as the twisted mouth, in which teeth protrude at unlikely angles. The fact that his mouth is wide open suggests that the character is experiencing discomfort, and may even be screaming. This touch makes the viewer feel somewhat uneasy, the desired affect which is commonplace in Bacon's paintings.

The top half of his head is not shrouded by shadows, but indeed missing - this shows that the man does not have a brain and is therefore incapable of physical awareness - thus making him more creature than man. This adds yet another disturbing dimension to this provocative image.

I really like the lighting in this image, the shadow cast underneath the monsters chin denotes that the creature is directly beneath a spotlight. This is supported by the illumination of the metal framework in the background, reminiscent of a French daybed. As many of Bacons paintings are described as studies, I believe the shading of his skin is intentionally "cut off" around his pectoral region. And the coloured detailing serves as a suggestion, to fill the empty space in order to simply balance the composition.

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Francis Bacon's other Heads.

Head II is a darker, and more sinister painting. This is more detailed rendition with heavier use of paint. The mouth is very similar protruding at the same angle with the teeth bearing direct resemblence.

Head III is almost 100% human, with all distinguishing features in tact and even a pair of glasses. Like Head I - the top half of this mans head is missing. His shoulderline is also very similar, as well as place in the composition. The background features the trademark streaks found in many of Bacon's other works.

Head IV is similar to Head I & II as the man is screaming. This one again has a different background yet is still considerably flat with softer strokes. The thin white lines are present again, here they confine the subject to a transparent cube, sharing the same claustraphobic feeling as Head I. Of all the series, this painting exposes most of the body, clothed in purple.