Analysis of Francis Bacon's " Portrait of George Dyer in a Mirror," 1967-1968

Much of Bacon's work is perceived as shocking, but there is a powerful subversive element in his compositions with much of his chosen subject matter being somewhat autobiographical. These often dealt with his own homosexuality, and his intimate and often anguished relationships. While in later life Bacon generally claimed that his sexuality was public knowledge, and that it was no secret, the press had severe problems addressing his private/public life. The greatest difficulties were …

…in an image, it was Bacons way of going public on a profound and deeply important aspect of his emotional life. This painting of Dyer presented his lover as twisted, distorted and virtually disembodied. There is a suggestion of a dream-like state in which the reality of the flesh and the odder corners of the imagination seem to have full sway. This painting gives us a strong insight into the turbulent emotional life of Bacon.