Lot 2039 email save

Oil on canvas, from the Studio of Francis Bacon

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Oil on canvas, by an unknown hand, 14" x 10". This portrait is not attributed to Bacon and is painted on the "right" side of the canvas. It is, however, an interesting picture because of its probable significance to Francis Bacon. It is very rare to see paintings in photographs on the walls of his Studio which were reserved for photographs, mixing paints or other working documents. From photographic evidence it is clear that this lot did, however, hang on the Studio wall both at Reece Mews and previously at Overstrand Mansions Battersea. It appears in illustration 75 on page 82 'In Camera Francis Bacon' by Martin Harrison, although the white background appears much cleaner at that time. It can be seen again in Christies' catalogue The Collection of the late Miss Valerie Beston, February 2006 lot 456, a photograph by Cecil Beaton said to have been taken in 1960. The painting was therefore in a prominent position for over 20 years and must have held particular personal significance for Francis Bacon having been painted by a close friend, relative or lover. Could it have been painted by Peter Lacy? Further research may reveal the answer one day, but as Bacon was clearing Lacy items from his Studio that day in 1978 perhaps this was also an item of Lacy memorabilia that he no longer wanted to keep. Provenance: The Robertson Collection

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