Francis Bacon
- Artist: Clive Barker
- Date: 1969
- Medium: gilt bronze mask
- Dimensions: 8 1/2 in. x 6 1/8 in. (216 mm x 157 mm) overall
- Portrays: Francis Bacon
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In front of you stands a gilt bronze mask titled “Francis Bacon” by Clive Barker. The object measures just over 8½ inches long and captures every detail of the artist’s face – from his eyes to that slight jaw line. It was made in 1969 from a plaster impression taken directly onto Bacon’s head, then painted lightly so the form could be captured accurately. Two small straws allowed him to breathe during the session, an effort he repeated later because of his asthma. Barker and Bacon were close friends who exchanged life masks; this bronze is one of six versions that survive today.
See it in person
Francis Bacon is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
