Francis Bacon and The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Esplund who 'writes about art for the Journal' reviews 'Francis Bacon: A Centenary Retrospective' at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Thursday's edition of the Wall Street Journal. I hope the Wall Street Journal is fully aware of how lucky they are in having such a contributor, such an opinionated critic. The paper is titled 'A Histrionic Horror Show,' and starts with: 'You do not have to be squeamish to dislike the paintings of Francis Bacon (1909-1992), the Irish-born British artist who painted crucified sides of beef; screaming popes and apes with gaping mouths; headless bodies, bodiless heads; and contorted, copulating figures who resemble balls of flayed and knotted flesh.' And further down: 'The show, organized in loosely chronological order, continues through Bacon's homosexual lovers, wrestlers, murderers, self-portraits and portraits. His paintings very loosely inspired by van Gogh and those made after Velázquez demonstrate virtually no understanding of what these masters were doing.' Thank you, Mr. Esplund, for providing us with such a refreshing and enlightening review!