Francis Bacon, Study After Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X

Technique Lithograph on Arches paper Year of Production 1989 Edition Size Limited to 60 copies Additionally, 20 Artist's Proofs (A.P.) and non-commercial (H.C.: Hors Commerce) prints were produced. Signature Hand-signed in pencil by the artist Edition H.C. 19/20 (19th of 20 non-commercial prints) Publisher Librairie Séguier IRCAM (French National Audiovisual Institute) Centre Pompidou (Paris) Paper Size 116.0 × 77.0 cm Image Size 95.0 × 69.0 cm Referenced in Bruno Sabatier, "Francis Bacon: The Graphic Work," No. 14 Alexandre Tacou, "Francis Bacon: Estampes," No. 9 Condition Colors are vivid and deep, with no defects such as stains, folds, or fading. About the Work **"Study for Portrait of Pope Innocent X after Velázquez"** is a representative lithograph from Francis Bacon's iconic "Pope Series." While taking Diego Velázquez's 17th-century masterpiece "Portrait of Pope Innocent X" as its starting point, Bacon transformed it into an entirely new contemporary painting. Interestingly, Bacon, while holding deep respect for Velázquez's original painting throughout his life, never intentionally viewed the original in Rome, stating that he "feared seeing the actual painting would destroy his image." He developed his unique interpretation based on photographs and reproductions, portraying the Pope, a symbol of authority, as an embodiment of human anxiety, loneliness, and the fragility of existence. In this work, the Pope seated on his throne appears to be screaming, enclosed by sharp vertical strokes and lines resembling a transparent cage. Such an expression does not deny religious authority but rather reflects Bacon's profound view of humanity: even those in power cannot escape fear and loneliness because they are human. Bacon believed that "by distorting the figure, one can get closer to a truth that photography cannot express." Therefore, the distorted figures in this work are not merely abstract representations, but rather forms that more directly convey human spirit and emotion. The deep purple and black background, along with the vibrant colors that make the figure stand out, create both an overwhelming tension and a profound silence, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. Published in 1989, this work is a particularly important piece among Bacon's prints, produced as an associated publication of IRCAM (French National Audiovisual Institute) and the Centre Pompidou. This work is an **H.C. (Hors Commerce / Not for Sale)** edition, produced separately from the regular edition of 60 copies, and this specific print is the 19th of only 20 H.C. editions. Such special editions rarely come to market and are highly valued internationally. The "Pope Series" holds an extremely important position in art history as a collection of works that represent the pinnacle of Francis Bacon's art. This work is a rare piece that reproduces this iconic image with excellent lithographic technique, making it a collector's item combining artistry, historical significance, and rarity. As a work that symbolizes the thought and expression of Francis Bacon, a master representing 20th-century art, this piece possesses value suitable for a museum-grade collection, and is also an important print work with potential for long-term asset value.