There were also 25 copies in Roman Numerals plus 10 artist's proofs.
The prototype for this work is displayed in the Astrup Fearnley Collection, Oslo, Norway. It is a very large triptych, oil on canvas, with each panel measuring each 198 by 147.5 inches. Each of the three parts is a complete, dynamic composition that can stand on its own and yet all have similarities that definitely unite them. Bacon's traced geometry is mysterious but not at all disturbing and offers a sense of order to counter the highly agitated action apparently within its prescribed volumes.  Is it reassuring that the depicted explosiveness might be so contained? As on-lookers, should we be comforted that our view is not from inside such visual structures?
The Oresteia is a trilogy of Greek tragedies written by Aechylus in the 5th Century BC, concerning the murder of Agamemnon by his wife Clytemnestra, the murder of Clytemnestra by Orestes, their son, the trial of Orestes, the end of the curse on the House of Atreus and pacification of the Erinyer. The Trilogy—consisting of Agamemnon, The Libration Bearers, and The Eumenides shows how the Greek gods interacted with the characters and influenced their decisions pertaining to events and disputes. The cycle of murderous revenge followed by bloody revenge organised and piloted by the gods was a theme fascinating to Francis Bacon who shows this visceral story in graphic detail in our triptych.
Published by: Editions de la Différence, Paris
Printed by: Arts Litho, Paris
Condition: In good condition.