In truth probably anything by twentieth century English painter Francis Bacon would be worthy of a 10 scariest paintings list. If there would be one word to describe this artist’s work it would have to be “disturbing,” with his grotesque portraits, and distorted atmospheres. Therefore, it is with disturbed pleasure I present to you number 6 in the 10 scariest paintings,
Study of Velazquez’s Pope Innocent X, by Francis Bacon
Pope Innocent X was originally painted by Diego Velazquez (click on Bacon’s image to see the original), who, as I’ve said before, is a much beloved and reproduced artist by modern painters such as Pablo Picasso. This papal portrait was painted in 1650, when the Vatican, thanks to Innocent X, enjoyed tremendous power. Velazquez painted the pontiff sitting with unquestioned authority and the confidence of a successful man of God.
It is the somber religious subject matter that makes Bacon’s version so shocking. Where the original is not exactly relaxed, as no formal portrait of power usually is, there is a quiet peace and reverence. Bacon’s version, on the other hand, is anything but reverent. It is exploding with tension and wild distortion of reality in every square inch. “Sorry” doesn’t cut it with this pope, as he practically breaks the chair squeezing it, and screams an inhuman scream that echoes into eternity as we, the viewers, actually hear it in our heads as we gaze at this horror.
Bacon uses the contrasting complementary colors purple and yellow to add to the tension, as if we haven’t had enough. When asked why he had revisited this theme so much, the painter explained that he wanted to use these colors but hadn’t had much excuse to. The background becomes all black, with the curtains transforming into tattered transparent shreds that seem to cover the sitter’s face. The sitter himself becomes semi-transparent as the white of the frock disappears in and out of reality. This highest of priestly offices has become a strange apparition, a ghostly specter of the past.
I placed the original “underneath” the Bacon version so you can click back and forth to compare. I always saw this painting as a somewhat hidden truth, it seems, that the artist was attempting to uncover. The satin scarlet robes of the head of religion, the expensive jewelry, and flashy appearance (anything but humble) might hide the truth underneath. But Bacon said he had no problem with popes or religion, and wasn’t making a statement.
There are several versions in the Innocent series with a couple here below.
Do you think he gave any to the Vatican?
P.S.- This painting reminds me of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” After consideration I have decided to give Munch’s “Scream” honorable mention in this series as it certainly deserves attention, but is not as bone-chilling as these other paintings as I see it.
Sorry, Edvard.
Bacon’s pope screams louder than you.
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by Renu Bariwal, on July 31 2008 @ 23:27
impressed with the art works