Fragment of a Crucifixion

"Fragment of a Crucifixion" is an unfinished painting from 1950 by Francis Bacon. It depicts an intense existential struggle between two animals. The upper figure, which suggests either a dog or cat, appears poised to attack a chimera on a T-shaped structure reminiscent of Christ's cross. Notably, there are passerby figures in the painting who seem utterly oblivious to the central drama unfolding before them.

Bacon drew inspiration from a variety of sources for this piece. He incorporated elements from the Crucifixion of Jesus and the Descent from the Cross, as well as the iconic screaming mouth motif from Sergei Eisenstein's film "Battleship Potemkin."

The painting's bleak tone reflects Bacon's nihilistic and atheistic views, portraying a rather hopeless perspective on the human condition. Bacon himself later critiqued the work as being too literal and explicit. He distanced himself from the crucifixion theme for 12 years before revisiting it in his piece "Three Studies for a Crucifixion." Today, "Fragment of a Crucifixion" is housed in the Stedelijk Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

In terms of visual detail, the painting features a dog- or cat-like creature looming over a chimera, both drenched in blood. The canvas is largely devoid of color, with the T-shaped cross and figures depicted in stark white and black hues. This imagery closely aligns with Bacon's personal struggles with faith, weaving themes of existentialism and despair throughout the work.

Bacon's use of imagery, such as the screaming mouth and the crucifixion scene, provides insight into his artistic development and influences. The painting's reputation reflects Bacon's ongoing self-criticism and his struggle to balance recognizable imagery with more abstract, non-illustrative painting. Despite his atheistic beliefs, Bacon's exploration of religious iconography and existential themes in "Fragment of a Crucifixion" remains a significant piece in his oeuvre.