Francis Bacon conjures the inner turmoil of King Lear
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) chose to include Francis Bacon's Study of a Head, 1952 in the programme for their production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear.
The painting aptly conjures the inner turmoil experienced by King Lear, who enters a downward spiral after impending age forces him to relinquish his crown.
The highly acclaimed production features Anthony Sher in the title role and is directed by the RSC’s Artistic Director, Gregory Doran.
Following a run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, the play will be performed at the Barbican Theatre, London from 10 November until 23 December 2016. Find out more.
In contrast, Jason deCaires Taylor’s life-affirming The Phoenix, 2012 was licensed for the programme of The Two Noble Kinsmen.
Based on Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale, the play is attributed to William Shakespeare and John Fletcher. The rarely performed tragicomedy tells the story of two best friends, whose intimate kinship quickly turns to rivalry when they fall for the same woman.
The RSC’s production is currently showing at the Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon until 7 February 2017. Find out more.
Browse related images
Study after Velázquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X, 1953, Francis Bacon:
Portrait of Michel Leiris, 1976, Francis Bacon:
The Banker, 2011, Jason deCaires Taylor:
Vicissitudes, 2007, Jason deCaires Taylor:
Tam CC project, 2008, Jason deCaires Taylor:
View all Jason deCaires Taylor images
How to license an image
To license an image, log in or register for an account and submit your image request.
Need help? Speak to our team of specialists for expert guidance on finding the right image for your project. Email [email protected] or call 020 7780 7550.
Related pages
Images from top: Study of a Head, 1952, Francis Bacon © The Estate of Francis Bacon, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd; The Phoenix, 2012, Jason deCaires Taylor © Jason deCaires Taylor, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor; Study after Velázquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X, 1953, Francis Bacon © The Estate of Francis Bacon, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd; Portrait of Michel Leiris, 1976, Francis Bacon © The Estate of Francis Bacon, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd; The Banker, 2011, Jason deCaires Taylor © Jason deCaires Taylor, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor; Vicissitudes, 2007, Jason deCaires Taylor © Jason deCaires Taylor, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor; Tam CC project, 2008, Jason deCaires Taylor © Jason deCaires Taylor, All rights reserved, DACS 2016, Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor.