Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion
HENI is delighted to present ‘Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion’, a limited edition release of Francis Bacon’s 1944 masterpiece. The editions are published by HENI in collaboration with The Estate of Francis Bacon.
The editions are Diasec-mounted Giclée prints on aluminium composite panels. Each single edition is composed of three 94 x 74 cm panels, matching the scale of the original triptych. Priced at $8,000 (plus applicable taxes), the edition size is limited to 100. Every edition is numbered and labelled on the verso of each panel.
The artworks are available by application until 17:00 GMT on 10 March.
About Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon transformed modern art with his disturbing portrayals of human suffering and bodily distortion. Born in Ireland in 1909 to English parents, Bacon felt alienated from his traditional middle-class family, prompting him to move to London. With minimal support and no formal art training, he immersed himself in the avant-garde scenes of London and Berlin, finding inspiration in Picasso’s work and Sergei Eisenstein’s film ‘Battleship Potëmkin’, which instilled in him a fascination with the expressive malleability of the human body. This early exposure would shape his signature style, where raw, grotesque figures serve as metaphors for human frailty and existential dread. Bacon died in 1992. His haunting images of contorted bodies and emotional extremes endure, marking him as one of Britain’s most significant 20th-century painters.
About Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion
Francis Bacon's ‘Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion’ (1944) is a triptych that redefined post-war art through its raw depiction of human suffering and alienation. The work, created using oil paint and pastel on fibreboard, depicts three monstrous, biomorphic entities set against a burnt orange background. Tormented and contorted, these ambiguously humanoid figures evoke the harrowing trauma of war. The artwork’s title references a traditional composition in which mourners sit under a crucified Christ. Yet Bacon diverged radically from traditional religious art, turning the Christian narrative of the Crucifixion towards existential horror rather than salvation.
"There was painting in England before the Three Studies, and painting in England after them, and … no one can confuse the two."
- John Russell, art critic
For ‘Three Studies,’ Bacon drew inspiration from Greek mythology, the imagery of Grünewald's Isenheim Altarpiece and the writings of existentialist authors. Through the work, Bacon introduced a uniquely modern, unsettling aesthetic that captured the collective disillusionment of a postwar society. ‘Three Studies’ marked a decisive break from earlier British figurative art, steering it into something much darker and more psychologically complex.
Upon its first unveiling in 1945 (at a joint exhibition at the Lefevre Gallery, London), ‘Three Studies’ caused seismic waves. Both critics and gallery-goers were shocked and disturbed by the repulsive, anguished forms positioned as symbolic witnesses to – or perhaps harbingers of – a crucifixion that is hinted at but remains unseen. The painting firmly established Bacon as a crucial figure in British and international art.
Visit HENI Gallery
The editions are on display at the HENI Gallery from 26 February until 10 March. Admission to the gallery is free.
HENI Gallery
6-10 Lexington St, London W1F 0LB, United Kingdom
Open Monday - Sunday, from 10am - 6pm
The editions are also on display in the windows at 29-35 Lexington Street.
Francis Bacon publications
Visit HENI Publishing to explore two publications about Francis Bacon. The Catalogue Raisonné contains the entire oeuvre of Francis Bacon’s paintings for the first time and includes many previously unpublished works. France and Monaco, a bilingual publication in English and French explores Bacon's long relationship with France, Monaco and French culture.
HENI Talks on Francis Bacon
Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan chart the life and art of the formidable Francis Bacon. The conversation is expanded by art critic, curator, and artist Robert Storr, bringing together three luminaries of contemporary art writing.
Timeline
The 'Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion' editions are available for a limited time only. If you have any questions, please see the FAQs below or contact customer support.
Application
The artworks are available by application until 17:00 GMT on 10 March.
Allocation
HENI will carefully review each application and aims to start notifying successful applicants in the weeks following the closing date.
Delivery or Storage
You can have your order delivered or stored in the HENI Vault. HENI will do its best to make sure that the artworks are shipped within 6 weeks of the application window closing. If you use the Vault, you won't be charged until the artworks have reached the storage facilities, at which point you can withdraw your order at any time. You can learn more about the Vault here.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, you can explore our FAQs here. If you want to get in touch, please contact Customer Care or ask a moderator on Discord.
As Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion is a limited-edition release, HENI tries to ensure that the prints are sold broadly and fairly (rather than on a ‘first come, first served’ basis). You can apply for multiple artworks from Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion, however, HENI cannot guarantee that you will be offered the opportunity to buy every edition you apply for.
If you selected the Complete Fulfilment option during the application process, HENI will only satisfy your application if we are able to fulfil your entire application. If you selected the Partial Fulfilment option during the application process, HENI may offer you the opportunity to purchase some of the editions you applied for, but not all. Choosing Partial Fulfilment may increase your chances of being successfully allocated. HENI will carefully review each application and aims to start notifying successful applicants over the coming weeks after the application period has closed.
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion are priced in US Dollars and can be purchased using credit or debit card. Please ensure when submitting your payment details that you enter the correct billing post/zip code information for the payment card you are using.
When applying for Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion you will be asked to provide details of a credit or debit card. HENI will carefully review each application and aims to start notifying successful applicants around coming weekshe coming weeks after the application period has closed. Only after you have been notified of your successful application will HENI arrange to take payment. HENI will automatically attempt to take payment using the payment method supplied at the time of the application. If this payment method fails, you will be notified by email with a custom payment link that you can use to complete payment. You have 48 hours from the time of the email to complete your payment, otherwise your allocation will be revoked.
HENI aims to dispatch all the artworks within 6 weeks of the close of the application window. Please note that the exact timing is subject to demand, production capacities and potential shipping delays. As soon as your order is ready to dispatch, you will receive an email confirmation with the tracking information.
HENI has partnered with various trusted shipping couriers for the delivery of our editions. As such, we are unable to facilitate in-person collection or organise independent shipping.
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion are shipped from the UK and can be shipped internationally. The prices indicated are exclusive of VAT, delivery charges, insurance or any customs or import duties or local taxes that may be payable. For orders shipping to the UK, Standard Rate VAT will be applied and collected at the time of payment.
If your shipping address is outside of the UK, you will be responsible for any customs or import duties and local taxes that may be payable. Where such duties or taxes are payable in respect to any works ordered, HENI does not collect and pay them on your behalf. You are responsible for paying any amounts due directly to the applicable customs authority. HENI is not able to offer any guidance on customs or import duties or local taxes, and we recommend that you contact your local customs office for details.
Should the need arise to change your delivery address, it is possible; however, if you choose to deliver to a different country than initially requested, this could impact the total value of your original order. Please complete and submit the Change of Address Request form and one of our Customer Care advisors will be in touch to confirm.
There are certain countries that HENI cannot ship to. If you would like more information or should you encounter an error during the checkout, please contact Customer Care here.
Yes the HENI Vault is available to select at checkout. The HENI Vault, a storage service which gives flexibility to collectors who don't have immediate space to store their artworks. Our fine art warehouse features a secure, climate-controlled environment in the UK. With its customs-bonded status, the HENI Vault not only ensures the safekeeping of your artworks but also allows the deferral of delivery and customs duties until you decide to withdraw your artworks.
Here's how it works:
- After the close purchase window, your artworks will enter production, during which there will be no storage charges.
- 6 weeks after the close of the purchase window, a monthly subscription fee of $25 per artwork kicks in for using the HENI Vault.
- You have the freedom to withdraw your artworks at any time. A handling and administration charge of $25 per artwork applies upon withdrawal.
You can choose to store your artworks in the HENI Vault during the checkout. You will be asked to complete some security questions which we may ask for in the future. Confirmation of your Vault subscription will be sent by email, along with details on how to withdraw your artwork in the future.
Please note that although VAT is not charged at the time of purchase, when withdrawing an artwork from the Vault, you will be charged VAT on the initial purchase price if you are then shipping that artwork to the UK. You will be contacted by your local customs or shipping regarding paying VAT and any applicable duties if you are shipping your artwork from the Vault to outside the UK.
HENI is delighted to present ‘Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion,’ a limited edition release of Francis Bacon’s 1944 masterpiece. The editions are published by HENI in collaboration with The Estate of Francis Bacon. The editions are Diasec-mounted Giclée prints on aluminium composite panels. Each single edition is composed of three 94 x 74 cm panels, matching the scale of the original triptych. Priced at $8,000 (plus applicable taxes), the edition size is limited to 100. Every edition is numbered and labelled on the verso of each panel.
The artworks are available to apply for on HENI Editions from Wednesday 26th February until Monday 10th March 17:00GMT
Collectors can store their artworks in the HENI Vault. Our bonded fine art warehouse gives maximum flexibility to collectors by delaying delivery and customs duties until a later date.
Should you choose to delay the delivery of your order and store it in the HENI Vault, VAT will not be applied at checkout. Learn more about the HENI Vault here.
You can complete your application for Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion on a computer or mobile device, after which you will receive a confirmation email detailing each of the editions you applied for. After the allocation period, if your application is successful, you will be sent an order confirmation once payment has been successfully taken.
If you want to get in touch, please contact Customer Care or ask a moderator on Discord.