Lost in the myths

He was one of the most talented British painters of the 20th century, but since his death, as much attention has been lavished on FRANCIS BACON’s wild lifestyle as it has on his art. Sarah Ream asks how Closely the myth Chimes with the reality.

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Under Bacon’s peculiar gaze: ‘Study for Head of George Dyer’, 1967 (this page). ‘Study of Isabel Rawsthome’, 1966 (right, above) and ‘Head Vl’, 1949