Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion by Francis Bacon was created in 1944. The painting is in Tate Modern London. The size of the work is each 94 x 73,7 cm and is made as an oil on board.
The title of this work refers to figures that are often featured in Christian paintings of the death of Jesus. Bacon said the figures in his work represented the Furies, ancient Greek goddesses. They punished human wrongdoing. The work was first shown publicly in April 1945. The Second World War was in its final months, after six years of conflict. The first photographs and film footage of Nazi concentration camps were being released. For some, Bacon’s painting reflected the horror of the Holocaust, in which six million Jewish people were murdered. It was also seen to reflect the fear caused by the development of nuclear weapons… (read more in Tate Modern)
About the Artist: Irish-born British figurative painter Francis Bacon was born in Dublin. The 1933 Crucifixion was his first painting to attract public attention. By 1944 Bacon had gained confidence and moved toward developing his unique signature style. His Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion had summarised themes explored in his earlier paintings, including his examination of Picasso’s biomorphs, his interpretations of the Crucifixion, and the Greek Furies… Read more
