Francis Bacon

by Martin Hammer

The art of Francis Bacon (1909-1992) epitomises the angst at the heart of the modern human condition. His dramatic images of screaming figures and distorted anatomies are painted with a richly gestural technique, alluding to such old masters as Titian, Velazquez and Rembrandt. Displaying repressed and raw emotion, his body of work includes portraits of Lucian Freud and John Deakin."

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2013

About the author

Martin Hammer is Professor of History & Philosophy of Art within the Department of History & Philosophy of Art at the University of Kent, England.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nicely produced introduction to Francis Bacon's art. Little in the way of biographical detail, and more technical than a lot of introductory books, which challenged me on occasion, but a good read and with fine reproductions of many of his paintings.

[Jon Margetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

For both his own personal lifestyle and debauchery as well as his notoriously grotesque paintings, Francis Bacon was one of the most controversial artists of the 20th century. Bacon's triptych's are as equally illuminating on the human condition as they are horrific to witness. This book provides a good insight into his own personal philosophy as well as the artistic processes behind his work. From my perspective, as a complete novice in both the appreciation and construction of art, it was as readable as it was enjoyable. I might prefer a slightly bigger copy, but altogether it's a great starting point for Bacon.

[?0?0?0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's filled with beautiful images and it's well-priced, go out and buy it.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this guy’s paintings and was not familiar with them before very recently! This was an excellent overview with nice reproductions. Super cool stark grim stuff.

[Unpil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous introduction to the works of one of my favorite painters, Francis Bacon.

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

phaidon focus is a new series , accessible and short overviews of modern artists. some others are serra, sigmar polke, cy twombly, beuys lots.
text is matter of fact, even stern, and in bacon' case understandably brief, as his life up to 1944 is practically a null. this book has some synthesis in text to looking at the art. what is the super plus is the brilliant color reproductions, 26 cm tall. vibrant, detailed. would be a great series to collect. and not too $$ at $22.00

[Lucie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully-presented book which gave me great insight into the work of Bacon.