Francis Bacon ‘Oedipus and the Sphinx’, Modern Art Poster, Expressionist

Francis Bacon Oedipus Sphinx works because the title is specific.

About Francis Bacon

Bacon often placed his subjects inside cage-like frames against flat, intense backgrounds. Bacon’s work is dramatic and unsettling, and it remains a landmark of post-war painting. Expressionist artists used bold colour and distorted forms to convey feeling rather than appearance. Francis Bacon (1909–1992) was an Irish-born British painter known for raw, distorted figures. Expressionism, which flourished in early 20th-century Germany and Austria, puts emotion before realism.

Styling this Francis Bacon print

An elegant piece, this Francis Bacon print works as a focal point on its own. The tall format of “Oedipus and the Sphinx” suits narrow walls, hallways and the space beside a doorway, and it is a natural fit for a study or living room; 18×24″ is a versatile middle size. Finish “Oedipus and the Sphinx” with a simple black or oak frame for a clean, gallery-style look. For a gallery wall, pair “Oedipus and the Sphinx” with two or three smaller prints, spaced 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) apart. Hang “Oedipus and the Sphinx” with its centre about 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor, or 8–10 inches above furniture.

At a glance

• Type: Francis Bacon print
• Artist: Francis Bacon
• Style: Expressionism, Modernism
• Mood: elegant
• Orientation: portrait
• Collections: Francis Bacon Prints, Expressionist Art Prints, Modernist Art Prints