Francis Bacon's Animal Imagery Explored in Royal Academy Exhibition

The exhibition 'Francis Bacon: Man and Beast,' curated by Michael Peppiatt, is currently on display at the Royal Academy in London until 17 April. It delves into the use of animal imagery within Bacon's art, examining the thin line between humans and animals, although the idea of ecological interdependence seems somewhat contrived. Bacon’s fascination with animals was influenced by his father's profession in racehorse training and his interest in wildlife magazines. Notable pieces include 'Head I' (1948) and 'Dog' (1952), which draw from Muybridge's photographs. The exhibit also features three studies of bullfighting from 1969, highlighting Bacon's blend of elegance and machismo, while addressing his sadomasochistic tendencies and openly gay identity, albeit briefly. Wall texts reference his self-mythologizing, emphasizing the difficulty in categorizing his subjects.