Figures in a Landscape – Q5

‘Figures in a Landscape’, a painting of anonymous nude figures seemingly encased by a transparent cubic structure, was produced in 1956 by Francis Bacon and subsequently edited into a series of giclée prints mounted on aluminium by HENI in 2015.

Over a vast empty space composed of rough brushstrokes are two crouched, faceless bodies. Their darkened skin which barely contrasts with the dark background seems to loosely wrap around shapeless mounds of flesh, exuding a sense of loneliness and desperation. Appearing to hug each other, their touch remains without warmth or feeling.

The sense of bodily discomfort and isolation is highlighted by Bacon’s trademark ‘space frames’, abstract lines surrounding the painting’s subjects like cages or transparent architectural structures. Resembling stylised interiors, these elements contribute to emphasise the sense of utter loneliness and spiritual desolation.

The animated bodies of this artwork reflect Bacon’s fascination with classical and Christian imagery, exemplified in this instance by the figure’s pose resembling the religious imagery of the suffering Christ. The vulnerable position of the artwork’s subjects who are caged, exposed and almost dehumanised by their lack of identity, suggests of the countless psychological traumas of modern life.