Analysis of Maylis Besserie's Novel on Francis Bacon's Nurse and Artistic Process

Maylis Besserie, a radio producer and author who won the 2020 Goncourt Prize for her debut novel, published 'La nourrice de Francis Bacon' in 2023, which received the Prix des écrivains du Sud. The book explores the life of painter Francis Bacon through the perspective of his English nanny, Nanny, covering his childhood in Ireland, his 1972 exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, and his relationships. It alternates between Nanny's narrative and descriptions of Bacon's artworks, examining his figurative style, use of color, and techniques. The novel aims to convey the violent connotations and unique plastic qualities of Bacon's work, blending biographical elements with psychological insights.