Max Porter's 'The Death of Francis Bacon' Explores Painting Through Literary Form

Max Porter’s 'The Death of Francis Bacon' delves into the final moments of the artist, presented through eight scenes resembling paintings. Each section begins with Bacon welcoming a guest and concludes with his nurse urging him to take a break, intertwining morphine-fueled visions with reminiscences. The story weaves together hallucinations, dialogues, and historical allusions, prompting readers to distinguish between reality and Bacon's tumultuous mind. Porter's expressive style mirrors Bacon's artistic approach, employing literary techniques such as alliteration and disjointed formats. Among the characters are Sister Mercedes, who reads about martyred monarchs, and various visitors, including the author himself. Released by Faber & Faber in 2023, this work continues Porter's exploration of 'unfashionable' cultural icons.