Thirty years after the passing of the renowned Irish-born artist Francis Bacon, Sotheby’s Paris is staging a captivating exhibition and sale, showcasing a remarkable collection of 20 pieces that span over half a century of his creative journey. This exceptional event, titled “Inside the World of Francis Bacon: Works from the Collection of Majid Boustany,” offers a unique glimpse into the life and artistry of this iconic figurative painter.
A Journey Through Time: More Than Just Paintings
The auction is not limited to Bacon’s paintings; it features a captivating collection of portraits of the artist captured by renowned photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Don McCullin, and Peter Beard. These images offer a personal and intimate perspective on Bacon’s life and personality.
The sale also includes works by artists who were close to Bacon, such as Roy de Maistre, Graham Sutherland, and Louis le Brocquy. Le Brocquy’s 1980 painting, “Image of Francis Bacon,” is estimated to sell for €12,000–€18,000. This piece holds special significance as it reflects the deep friendship between Bacon and le Brocquy, which began when Bacon moved to London in the late 1940s and continued until Bacon’s death in 1992. The two artists frequently met in the south of France, where le Brocquy and his wife, fellow artist Anne Madden, had a home near Nice.
A Passionate Collector’s Vision: The Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation
The driving force behind this extraordinary exhibition and sale is Majid Boustany, a dedicated and passionate collector of Bacon’s work. In 2014, Boustany established the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation in Monaco, the only non-profit organization devoted to promoting a deeper understanding of Bacon’s life, work, and creative process.
The foundation provides support for research and artistic endeavors through a scholarship awarded to a doctoral student at the École du Louvre in Paris. Boustany’s commitment to preserving and sharing Bacon’s legacy is evident in his decision to use the proceeds from this sale to further support the foundation’s mission. “When Bacon burst into my life,” recalls Boustany, “I was quickly fascinated by this singular, unclassifiable, self-taught and uncompromising giant, whose paintings raise burning questions.”
A Look Inside the Artist’s Studio: A Palette for the Ages
Beyond the captivating portraits and paintings, the sale features several unique items that offer a glimpse into Bacon’s creative process and personal life. One such item is a plate that served as Bacon’s palette in his studio at 14 Rue de Birague in Paris, where he lived and worked between 1974 and 1987. This plate, one of only three known to have survived from this period, comes from the collection of art historian Eddy Batache and is estimated to fetch €20,000–€30,000.
Many photographs of Bacon depict him using both the top and underside of a plate to mix his oils, showcasing his unique approach to painting. This particular plate offers a tangible connection to Bacon’s studio and his creative process, making it a rare and valuable piece.
A Rare Glimpse into Bacon’s Early Years: A “Composition” of Modernist Design
The sale also features a rare and early work by Bacon, executed in 1929 when he was just 20 years old. This piece, titled “Rug, ‘Composition,'” is estimated to sell for €90,000–€140,000. It is a testament to Bacon’s early interest in modernist design and his ability to create works of art that transcend the boundaries of traditional painting.
Bacon initially gained recognition as a furniture designer, bringing his modern aesthetic to the London design scene. He created at least 25 rugs, though only ten are known to have survived, making this piece a rare and sought-after item. This particular rug is believed to have been one of Bacon’s favorites, as he used it to decorate his Chelsea apartment, as evidenced by a rare 1932 photograph.
A Masterpiece Unveiled: “Figure Crouching” Takes Center Stage
The centerpiece of the Sotheby’s sale is Bacon’s “Figure Crouching,” a masterpiece that is being offered for sale for the first time. This powerful and evocative work, estimated to fetch €3.5m–€5m, features a solitary figure that is both human and animalistic, capturing the essence of Bacon’s artistic vision.
“Figure Crouching” embodies some of Bacon’s most iconic motifs in their earliest form, showcasing his unique ability to blend the grotesque and the beautiful, the real and the surreal. The auction presents a remarkable opportunity to acquire a piece of Bacon’s artistic legacy and witness the evolution of his artistic vision.
