Josef Albers

Daniel Arsham

Tauba Auerbach

Francis Bacon

John Baldessari

Banksy

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Peter Blake

Mel Bochner

Louise Bourgeois

Mr Brainwash

Georges Braque

The Connor Brothers

Patrick Caulfield

Christo

Salvador Dali

Richard Diebenkorn

Jim Dine

Bob Dylan

Tracey Emin

Max Ernst

Maurits Cornelis Escher

Shepard Fairey

Sam Francis

Helen Frankenthaler

Lucian Freud

Elisabeth Frink

Sir Terry Frost

Antony Gormley

Keith Haring

Conor Harrington

Erich Heckel

Damien Hirst

David Hockney

Howard Hodgkin

Loie Hollowell

Shara Hughes

Robert Indiana

Invader

Jasper Johns

Rashid Johnson

Donald Judd

Alex Katz

KAWS

Ellsworth Kelly

Jeff Koons

Yayoi Kusama

Chris Levine

Sol Lewitt

Roy Lichtenstein

Robert Longo

L S Lowry

Agnes Martin

Harland Miller

Henry Moore

Robert Motherwell

Otto Mueller

Edvard Munch

Takashi Murakami

Yoshitomo Nara

Alice Neel

Thierry Noir

Julian Opie

Nicolas Party

Victor Pasmore

Pejac

Adam Pendleton

Grayson Perry

Niki de Saint Phalle

Pablo Picasso

John Piper

Robert Rauschenberg

Gerhard Richter

Bridget Riley

Ayako Rokkaku

Ed Ruscha

David Shrigley

Pierre Soulages

Frank Stella

Stik

Wayne Thiebaud

Cy Twombly

Victor Vasarely

Andy Warhol

Ai Weiwei

Tom Wesselmann

Kehinde Wiley

David Wojnarowicz

Christopher Wool

's body of work is a profound exploration of the human figure, delving into the depths of emotion, suffering, and psychological complexity. Known for his visceral and often unsettling depictions, Bacon revolutionised portraiture by capturing the raw intensity of the human condition. His artistic legacy is closely tied to his portrayals of key figures in his life, who were not merely passive subjects, but active participants in his exploration of vulnerability, anguish, and identity. From his competitive friendship with 

, the individuals in Bacon's life profoundly shaped his figurative work, reflecting the complex relationships that underpinned these connections.

Who Did Francis Bacon Depict? A Guide to Francis Bacon’s Muses

The relationship between renowned British painter 

, a petty criminal from London's East End, was a stormy and ultimately tragic love affair that profoundly shaped Bacon’s life and art. They met by chance in 1963, and their intense, volatile relationship became one of the defining influences on Bacon’s later work. Their story is not only about passion and pain, but also about the deep connection between love, suffering, and artistic creation. Dyer's presence in Bacon's life, both in flesh and later as a haunting memory, created some of the most emotionally raw and powerful works of Bacon's career. Through the highs and lows of their relationship, Dyer became more than just a muse for Bacon; he became a symbol of vulnerability and mortality, themes that Bacon explored deeply in his art.

Bacon and Dyer’s Relationship

A Turbulent Love: Bacon and Dyer’s Volatile Relationship

The Tragic Relationship Between Francis Bacon and George Dyer

 is renowned for his brutal, emotionally charged paintings that blend abstraction with raw depictions of human vulnerability. His work, characterised by distorted forms and a dark, visceral intensity, transcends traditional portraiture by portraying not only the physical form, but also the psychological and emotional turmoil within. While his art appears fiercely original, Bacon’s distinctive approach was shaped by a myriad of influences, including the Old Masters and modern pioneers of artistic movements, whose innovative methods and exploration of human emotion profoundly shaped his vision.

Abstract figure seated against a dark background

Artists Who Inspired Francis Bacon

 continues to captivate the art world, his works occupying prestigious positions in museums and private collections across the globe, a testament to his enduring influence. His visceral, haunting depictions of the human condition strike a chord with audiences, blending existential inquiry with a raw, painterly beauty that remains uniquely his own. While many collectors keep their Bacon works out of public view, several prominent figures have openly shared their admiration and collection of his art, further solidifying his status as a symbol of profound artistic exploration and discerning personal taste.

Abstract, fragmented human torso amid three-dimensional slab shapes

Who Owns Work by Francis Bacon?

 stands as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, revered for his brutal depictions of the human condition. His canvases evoke primal emotions, filled with violent, contorted figures that reflect the fragility and chaos of post-war existence. Bacon's work delves deep into psychological and emotional landscapes, often shocking viewers with its raw, visceral power. His disturbing yet hauntingly beautiful figures are disfigured, trapped in existential anguish, conveying themes of suffering, mortality, and conflict.

What sets Bacon apart is his unique combination of techniques; his manipulation of oil paints, his fascination with photography, and his embrace of distortion. His use of unconventional materials and methods, including his chaotic studio environment, allowed him to push the boundaries of traditional painting. Bacon’s art is not merely about representation, but about conveying the violent intensity of life itself, often drawing on the tension between abstraction and figuration.

How Does Francis Bacon Create His Art? A Guide to Francis Bacon’s Techniques

, the celebrated figurative painter whose haunting and visceral imagery redefined 20th-century art, remains a towering figure in contemporary art history. As we navigate through 2024, major galleries and museums globally are hosting captivating exhibitions that delve into Bacon's intense exploration of the human condition. From his distorted, emotionally charged figures to his unsettling depictions of raw vulnerability, each exhibition invites a deeper understanding of Bacon's lasting impact and the profound psychological depth that continues to resonate in his work.

Whether you're a devoted follower of Bacon’s work or encountering his powerful imagery for the first time, these exhibitions offer a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most provocative and influential artists. Experience Bacon’s distinctive vision, where every canvas captures the fragility, violence, and intensity that defined his groundbreaking career.

Guide to Exhibitions in 2024 & Beyond

Discovering Francis Bacon: A Guide to Exhibitions in 2024 & Beyond

Francis Bacon Events & Exhibitions: 2024 & Beyond

Jasper, one of our strongest cross-market specialists, brings a deep understanding of the blue chip print market, from early Lowry works to Banksy, with a particular expertise in print market dynamics. 

Jasper previously worked with leading auction houses, including Christie’s, where he cut his teeth in the Modern British Department, and honed a deep  knowledge of the market.

Now part of MyArtBroker’s specialist team, Jasper is committed to the company’s mission to disrupt traditional methods of acquiring and selling blue-chip artworks, and is particularly focused on how art is becoming an increasingly important investment vehicle.

Jasper also regularly appears in the media to share his insights on Banksy and the artist's often unpredictable antics, cementing his status as a go-to expert on the subject.

Specialist

Jasper Tordoff

 (1909-1992) was an Irish-born British painter known for his raw, visceral images that often depict the darker aspects of the human psyche. As one of the most influential and enigmatic artists of the 20th century, Bacon's work continues to provoke curiosity and unease among critics and art enthusiasts alike. His style was characterised by a unique blend of abstraction and figurative representation, often portraying contorted figures that convey a sense of angst, isolation, and despair. Through analysis of his works, we can explore the psychoanalytic themes present in his figurative art and understand its impact on the viewer.

A man sat in a chair with the top half of his head missing and his shadow on the floor on an orange background

Exploring the Psychoanalytic Themes in Francis Bacon's Art

 prints can be both rewarding and valuable, but it requires understanding the nuances of his market. This guide offers essential tips, from identifying key works and understanding editions to assessing condition and provenance. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, this guide provides insights into what drives Bacon’s market, when to buy, and how to ensure authenticity. 

Adding Bacon's artwork to your collection brings a distinctive allure, blending luxury with a deep psychological and art historical resonance. His work offers access to a raw, emotional intensity that few artists can match, challenging the viewer to confront complex human emotions and existential themes. Bacon’s art isn’t just about beauty or aesthetics; it’s about confronting the raw, often uncomfortable truths of human existence. His iconic depictions of distorted figures and expressions of existential dread push the boundaries of portraiture, inviting viewers into the turmoil of the human psyche. Each Bacon piece carries a weight of intensity that transcends time, making his works highly collectible for those drawn to complex and challenging themes, yet exude captivating imagery.

Why Collect Francis Bacon?

Guides

A Buyer’s Guide To Francis Bacon

Value

The value of Francis Bacon's art has skyrocketed in recent decades, with notable pieces like his portraits of Lucian Freud, his lover George Dyer, and his iconic triptych self-portraits. His total market capitalisation across all mediums is currently around £69 million, with the U.S. being his primary marketplace. Bacon, a self-taught artist, explores themes like anatomy and human deformation, often depicting grotesque figures on isolated stages. Many of his works are privately held, and when they reach auction, they consistently fetch millions. This article highlights Bacon's most expensive auction sales.

Francis Bacon Value: Top Prices Paid at Auction

, here are a few pieces of advice before you start your journey, to make sure you sell at the right time and achieve the right price.

Looking to buy a Bacon print? Read our dedicated 

 worked with different printing workshops to release 36 of his best-known canvases as limited-edition 

. Some collaborations resulted in better-quality editions than others – thus, the value of a print by Bacon can vary greatly.

A Seller’s Guide To Francis Bacon

Art for sale

artist francis bacon

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Market

Phillips concluded its traditional two-part Editions & Works on Paper sale from the 22nd to 24th of October. The auction featured a total of 404 lots spread across one evening and two day sales. As results from the day sale are finalised, this report will be updated with overall figures, sell-through rates, and a comparison to last year’s totals.

Phillips' Editions and Works on Paper October sale features 404 lots, divided into three parts: the Evening Sale on October 22 and the Day Sales on October 23 and 24 (split into two sessions). Our methodology focuses on analysing data from the evening sale, covering lots 1-104. While this selection might create a skew in the data, we believe these high-value lots offer a comprehensive view of market trends, being the sale’s main event. We categorise the artistic genres as follows: Modern Art (artists born 1860-1920), Post-War Art (1920-1945), and Contemporary Art (born after 1945).

Auction Watch: Andy Warhol's Cowboys and Indians Break Records

Investing

This week in the prints and editions world has seen influential collaborations, sharp commentary on the state of contemporary art, and major developments in the auction market. From 

’s latest edition to Dom Pérignon's foray into art branding with 

, the industry continues to blend art with luxury while pushing the boundaries of accessibility. Here’s a look at the most noteworthy events shaping the market from 14th to 20th October 2024:

 stirred conversation this week with her bold remarks on 

 may have passed his creative peak. Emin suggested that male artists often reach their artistic zenith in their 40s, hinting that Hirst, now in his late 50s, could be creatively plateauing. Her comment opens a broader discussion about the longevity of contemporary artists whose work initially shocked and defined a generation, but now seem to be inspired by more commercial endeavours.

 among Emin's ranks and more recently known for his 

, continues to command attention in the market, but Emin’s critique may resonate with those questioning whether his latest work holds the same cultural weight as his earlier, more provocative pieces. The exchange between these two giants of the UK art scene not only provides insight into their personal perspectives but also touches on the evolving dynamics of fame, relevance, and legacy in an ever-competitive industry.

Tracey Emin Suggests Damien Hirst May Have ‘Peaked’

News

Art Market News from the Art Market People

The Week in Prints: 14th - 20th October 2024

The most anticipated event in London’s art market has arrived, with the iconic white tent settling

in Regent's Park. Frieze presents its two sections: Frieze London and Frieze Masters, drawing the usual crowd of celebrities and art enthusiasts. Coinciding with the marquee auctions at 

, Frieze 2024 marks the fair's 21st edtion.

This year’s Frieze art fair held particular significance, following 

, which received lukewarm reviews and mirrored the uneasy mood brought on by rising interest rates. More gravely, the onset of the Israeli-Gaza conflict cast a somber shadow over the usual atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Despite these challenges, the fair went on, and this year, although geopolitical unrest and high interest rates persist, the atmosphere felt refreshingly different. Walking into this year's tent was exhilarating, a feeling echoed by the dealers we spoke with. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, in-part thanks to the fresh presentation and dynamic new layout, which energised the atmosphere. It was a powerful reminder of why Frieze plays such a significant and vital role in the art market and cultural setting. 

Collecting

Frieze Reports Strong Sales With A Revamped Design: The Prints and Editions Review 2024

Phillips was third in line for the October marquee auctions. On Thursday, 10th of October, Phillips sold 24 out of the 34 lots offered, achieving a hammer total of just over £12 million–23% below the anticipated £15 million presale estimate.

Concluding the October marquee evening sales of the big three auction houses, Phillips Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale achieved £12 million at the hammer. This total reflects a 16% decrease compared to last year. What contributed to this shortfall? One obvious factor is the high interest rates in the UK, leading to more selective buying. Additionally, Phillips presented 34 lots, just six fewer than last year, but the sale saw a higher number of withdrawn and unsold lots–three withdrawals (including Lot 13 pre-sale) and seven unsold, though this was fewer than at 

. While most of the withdrawn and unsold pieces were lower-valued, these works would have contributed an addition £4 million to the sale at the low estimate.

Despite these challenges, the auction achieved a 77% sell-through rate, with a refreshing selection of mostly fresh-to-market works–a balanced mix of emerging talent and established blue chip names.Slightly more than half of the lots either met or exceeded expectations, which was a positive outcome for the sale.

Auction Watch: Phillips October Sale Leads With Hockney and Hammers £12 Million 

After opting out of the June marquee sales, Christie’s kicked off the October sales series, which famously aligns with Frieze Week, with a highly anticipated auction. Led by head auctioneer Adrien Meyer, the 56-lot sale had estimated values of £73.4m - £110.7m and hammered at just over £69 million (hammer), ultimately delivering mixed, but solid results.

Compared to last year's figures of the same sale, Christie’s actually performed 89% higher with just three more lots sold–an impressive achievement. However, in 2023, Christie’s benefited from the Sam Josefowitz private collection, which contributed an additional £42.3 million, bringing last year’s evening sale total to £78.7 million, which is a 14% difference. Out of the 56-lot sale, 4 works were withdrawn and 8 went unsold, most from 20th century names, resulting in an 85% sell-through rate.

The shortfall can be attributed to the majority of lots selling within or below estimates, with 33% falling short and 32% meeting expectations. Despite this, most resales surpassed their previous values. With 23 auction house guarantees (12 with irrevocable bids), the sale still reflected confidence in the market and the preset values of the works, aligning with current market conditions.

Auction Watch: Christie's October Sale Sees Mixed Results, Half of Lots Sell at or Below Estimates

Sotheby’s Contemporary Evening sale followed just hours after 

, offering significantly fewer lots–less than half of its competitor’s total. With only 22 lots and presale estimates ranging from £34m - £47.5m, the sale achieved a hammer total of just over £31 million, resulting in a 81% sell-through rate.

Departing from its usual two-sale format, which typically includes The Now, Sotheby’s opted to present only its Contemporary Evening Auction this year. The sale saw a notable 21% increase in hammer total compared to last year’s equivalent auction. However, when combining 

The Now and Contemporary Evening auctions from 2023

, this year's sale reflects a 19% drop overall. Despite these contrasts, and excluding the four unsold lots, 49% of the works–11 lots–either met or exceeded expectations. Of the six house-guaranteed lots, two carried irrevocable bids.

Auction Watch: Sotheby’s October Evening Sale Delivers a 21% Yearly Increase with Hockney, Riley, and Banksy

This week in the print world, we saw exciting collaborations, legal developments, a new documentary shedding light on a major artist, and an education initiative designed to shape the next generation of art appreciators. Here’s your roundup of key happenings from 30th September to 6th October 2024:

 to release a limited-edition silkscreen print, with proceeds supporting the Contemporary Art Society. This collaboration is part of Avant Arte’s ongoing mission to make art collecting more accessible to younger audiences, and it promises to be one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases.

 and one of the UK’s most provocative contemporary artists, is known for his sharp social commentary and explorations of 

. Through his distinctive use of media - from ceramics to tapestries - Perry has continually pushed boundaries, using satire and humour to challenge societal norms. This new print, expected to reflect Perry’s signature themes, offers collectors not only the chance to own an exclusive piece but also to support a crucial cause: placing contemporary art into museum collections across the UK.

Grayson Perry x Avant Arte

Grayson Perry Collaborates with Avant Arte for a New Limited Edition Print

The Week in Prints: 30th September - 6th October 2024

The fascination with celebrity culture has long been a compelling subject for artists, serving as a lens through which societal values and obsessions are examined. In the realms of prints and photography, 

 and Russell Young stand out as pivotal figures who have dissected the allure and commodification of fame. Through innovative techniques and evocative imagery, they offer profound insights into the cult of celebrity, each from their unique perspectives and eras.

Warhol’s early life was marked by a deep connection to his Eastern European heritage and a prolonged battle with Sydenham chorea, an illness that confined him to bed for extended periods. During this time, Warhol developed a 

, often drawing them while listening to the radio. His mother, Julia, nurtured his artistic inclinations, setting the foundation for his future explorations into art and fame.

Warhol studied pictorial design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and began his career in advertising, with his illustrations appearing in prestigious publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His experience in the advertising world revealed the power of celebrity influence in selling products. Recognising the symbiotic 

relationship between media, consumerism, and celebrity

, Warhol carved out his niche by launching 

—a genre that blurred the lines between high art and popular culture.

Andy Warhol: Pioneering the Intersection of Art and Celebrity

From Andy Warhol's Pop Icons to Russell Young's Dreamland

The Cult of Celebrity in Prints and Photography

September signals the art market’s return to action, kicking off a busy season for online print sales. The month opened with the 

, and a surge of online print sales continuing throughout the month. In this market newsletter, we recap the highlights of the September online print sales.

The art market is in full swing this month as preparations for the autumn auctions in London coincide with Frieze London, before attention shifts to the highly anticipated sales in New York. Phillips launched the September auctions on a high note with their David Hockney and Editions sales. In a recent MyArtBroker Talks podcast, I spoke with Helena Poole about the success of Phillips David Hockney sale and the expert curatorial strategy. For an in-depth analysis of Phillips' Editions and David Hockney sales, refer to our comprehensive auction reports.

Market Watch: Market Editor Report September 2024

Phillips launched their second-half print sales with the live Evening & Day Editions auction in London from September 19th to 20th, featuring a wide range of works by blue chip artists. This report highlights key sales and standout performances from the auction.

The sale highlighted strong demand for Andy Warhol’s trial proofs, reflecting a market preference for iconic imagery and recognisable motifs across various artists. This suggests a strategic approach among collectors, indicating a stable appetite for high-profile works in the current market landscape. For a quick recap of this sale and other print market updates, listen to our 

, where we discuss the latest trends and news in the world of prints.

Auction Watch September 2024: Phillips Evening & Day Editions

Helena joins the MyArtBroker specialist team after six years at Sotheby's where she worked as a cataloguer and specialist in the Contemporary and Modern departments. 

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