Francis Bacon
Figure with Meat
1954
Oil on canvas
Not on display (found in textbook)

Description: In this image, a man is shown seated between two grotesque sides of beef. His hand, though not very detailed, is shown clutching his cane. The colors used in this piece, Iike the previous ones, contain dull colors.

Interpretation: I get a sense of fear when I look at this picture. His face isn't very detailed, but the expression that I take from it is terror. His mouth is slightly open and you can see traces of teeth. The artist could be trying to get across the fact that the man is screaming. Since his hand is clutching the cane in such a way, he could be gripping it out of fear.

Analysis: The colors used in this piece are quite dull. The image looks a bit worn. The painter wasn't afraid to withhold the realistic look of the beef. The sides of beef could be seen as a type of wings. Also, the sides of meat could be viewed as two faces looking at each other.

Judgement: I really like this piece. I really get the sense of fear coming off of this. I also like the fact that the artist wasn't afraid to be realistic and show a bit of gore.