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A Psychological Study of Francis Bacon's Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X
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Yasaman Khanjari   |
| University of Tehran, Faculty of Fine arts |
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Abstract: (509 Views) |
| Francis Bacon's painting Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X, inspired by Diego Velázquez’s Baroque masterpiece, stands as one of Bacon's most iconic reinterpretations. His decision to reimagine this emblematic work raises questions about his motivations, the evolution of the piece, and the boundaries of its interpretation, particularly through a psychological lens. This study employs a slightly modified version of Terry Barrett's art criticism methodology to uncover the hidden layers of meaning in the painting. The findings suggest that Bacon’s depiction of the Pope represents a symbolic opposition to all that he himself embodies. By binding the figure to a chair, subjecting it to humiliation and torment, Bacon appears to enact a form of revenge and assert his dominance. The connection between the Pope figure and Bacon stems from the complex dynamics of his relationship with his father. Through this work, and his distinctive artistic methods—such as drawing inspiration from cinema and photography—Bacon transforms the Pope into a symbol of the persistent threats to his identity and desires, delivering a powerful message of defiance and animosity. |
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| Keywords: Francis Bacon, Pope Innocent X, Diego Velázquez, Appropriation, Psychological criticism |
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Full-Text [PDF 850 kb]
(557 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2024/11/18 | Accepted: 2024/12/2 | Published: 2024/12/19
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