Installation view of Bacon – Giacometti, L Homme qui marche by Alberto Giacometti among other works, 2018
Alberto Giacometti & Francis Bacon exhibition at Fondation Beyeler
The Fondation Beyeler sheds light on the exciting relationship between Alberto Giacometti and Francis Bacon. Both artists have created impressive works, which are now among the most expensive artworks.
How did they inspire each other?
The age difference between the older Giacometti and Bacon is eight years. Even before meeting him in person, the younger artist worshipped Bergell as “the greatest draughtsman of all time”. Later he was to say that Giacometti was the man who influenced him more than anyone else. Giacometti, on the other hand, was fascinated by the irrepressible energy in the art of Bacon. In addition to Bacon’s portraits, his own portraits would appear more prudish, says Giacometti.
What was shown at Fondation Beyeler
The exhibition includes key works and is supplemented by rarely shown works by both artists, some of which have never before been shown to the public before. A multimedia room offers a spectacular insight into the studios of both artists.
Francis Bacon – Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus, 1981, Oil on canvas, Triptych, Each panel 78 x 58 in. (198 x 147.5 cm), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandFrancis Bacon – Triptych, 1967, Oil on canvas, Triptych, Each panel 78 x 58 in. (198 x 147.5 cm), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandFrancis Bacon – In Memory of George Dyer, 1971, Oil and dry transfer lettering on canvas, Triptych, Each panel 78 x 58 in. (198 x 147.5 cm), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, Switzerland
Paintings by Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon – Portrait of George Dyer Riding a Bicycle, 1966, Oil and sand on canvas, 78 x 58 in. (198 x 147.5 cm), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandFrancis Bacon – Lying Figure, 1969, Oil on canvas, 78 x 58 in. (198 x 147.5 cm), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandFrancis Bacon – Two Studies from the Human Body, 1974-1975, Oil and dry transfer lettering on canvas, 78 x 58 in. (198.1 x 147.3 cm), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandFrancis Bacon – Lying Figure, 1961, oil on canvas, 198.0 × 142.0 Size (cm), 78.0 × 55.9 Size (in), installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandFrancis Bacon, installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, Switzerland
Alberto Giacometti sculptures
Alberto Giacometti – Le nez, 1947-49, 43,6 × 9 × 61,6 cm, installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandAlberto Giacometti – Grande Tête Mince, 1954, 65.6 x 39.1 x 24.9 cm, installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, SwitzerlandAlberto Giacometti and Bacon, 1965, original photo by Graham Keen, installation view, Fondation Beyeler, Basel, Switzerland
All images: Public Delivery unless otherwise noted.
