Francis Bacon refuses to sell a canvas before his 1971 retrospective.

Francis BACON (1909.1992)

Autograph letter signed to Werner Haftmann.

A ½ in-4 ° page with green felt.

Stamp for receiving the Berlin Nationalgalerie NEUE.

7 Reece Mews. London. October 19 [19]71

On the eve of the opening of his legendary retrospective at the Grand Palais, in Paris, the British painter indicates to the director of the Nationalgalerie his refusal to sell his second version of Painting 1946 , hoping nevertheless to see his correspondent during the exhibition.

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“ Dear Dr. Haftmann, A Colleague of Yours Very Kindly Wrote to Me On Your Behalf asking if i would sell the painting with Yellow Background. Unfortanely, in the time Being it is not for dirty. Hoping to see you at the exhibition. Yours very sincerely. Francis Bacon “

Translation: "Dear Dr Haftmann, one of your colleagues loved me kindly from you to ask me if I wanted to sell the painting on a yellow background. Unfortunately, it is not for sale for the moment. Looking forward to seeing you at the exhibition. To you, very sincerely. Francis Bacon . »»

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In October 1971, France offered the British painter a large retrospective at the Grand Palais, where only Pablo Picasso, before him, was honored there during his lifetime. The exhibition presents 108 tables by Francis Bacon, including 11 triptychs.

On October 26, Francis Bacon, welcomed by a hedge of republican guards, climbed the steps of the Grand Palais. His accession to the artists' pantheon is played out. He is worthy despite the drama that was played in the shadows: two days earlier, his lover George Dyer (immortalized on many artist canvases) committed suicide in their hotel in rue des Saints-Pères. Bacon hides this death from everyone and tragic information will not be revealed until a few days later.

Today, this retrospective and the suicide of her lover, are considered to be the tilting point of the art of bacon.

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The second version of Painting 1946 , produced in 1971, is now preserved at the Ludwig Museum in Cologne.

Art historian, Werner Haftmann (1912.1999) was director of the Nationalgalerie from 1967 to 1974. He was a posteriori convinced of participation in the Nazi regime during the Second World War.