Francis Bacon: Commitment and Conflict [Paperback]

Wieland Schmied (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2006

Francis Bacon is given a piercing re-examination through critical commentary, brilliant reproductions, and private photographs in this beautifully produced flexi edition. The existential anxiety of modern man, the inescapability of death, and the catastrophe of loneliness are some of the themes that we revisited time and again in Francis Bacon's work. In this comprehensive study of one of the twentieth century's most passionately committed artists, Wieland Schmied offers a thoughtful overview of Bacon's life, analyses his paintings, and examines the creative processes they embody. He explores in depth Bacon's subtle use of space, the development of his imagery, idiosyncratic painting technique, and place in the pantheon of twentieth-century artists. The author was a close friend and confidante of the artist. This book includes many private photographs of Bacon in his studio. There is an increasing interest in Francis Bacon - exhibition just ended at The Scottish National Gallery of Art (September 2005).

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Wieland Schmied is the author of many books on twentieth-century art. He lives in Munich, Germany.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Prestel Publishing (December 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3791334727
• ISBN-13: 978-3791334721
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #300,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Volume, June 12, 2001

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Francis Bacon (Monographs) (Hardcover)

Of all the books in print about the works of Francis Bacon, so many of them can be browsed without paying much attention to the commentary. Not here. This volume is extravagantly illustrated with many lesser known paintings by Francis Bacon, but it doesn't stop there. There is a very fine chronological timeline with photographs which show us the progression of the artist, his friends, lovers, influencing photographs, and interactions with other artists of his day. There is also a complete Exibition Schedule which holds some fascinating bits of information even to the avid Bacon fan. There are many photographs of Bacon's infamous studio in all its squallid splendor - some with the artist, some after his death. For sheer joy in getting to know a troubled genius, this book should be high on the list of recommended texts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Love Bacon, April 3, 2011

By 

E. G. "Emma" (Missoula) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Francis Bacon: Commitment and Conflict (Paperback)

I consulted this book a few times while writing an annotated bibliography about F. B. for my art history degree - it was a clear and concise summary about his work with knowledgable references to other great books written about Mr. Bacon. I might not recommend this being the first book you go to if you are interested in knowing more about Francis Bacon's work - it is a better reflection of his later years rather than about his early career.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not what but How, July 26, 2007

By 

Richardm6468 "workingoffthewall" (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Francis Bacon: Commitment and Conflict (Paperback)

This is a fine book, content is five stars. My problem is with the pt. size of the text. I would say the type in this book is 1/3 the size of most books. If you use glasses or have trouble reading small type this is not a book you will be able to read on the subway. Photos, reproductions, information and price are very good. Have fun reading it, just know that if the lay out was different the text could have been larger.