A major portrait by Francis Bacon will be one of the highlights of the evening sale of Post-War and contemporary art in New York. Painted in 1960, "Seated Figure" stems from Bacon's total obsession with Velazquez's "Portrait of Pope Innocent X" and stands as an exceptional example of the artist’s painterly practice. It is a rare occasion for a major painting from Bacon's Papal series to be offered for auction, having remained unseen by the public for 35 years before being acquired by its present owner in 1996, "Seated Figure (Red Cardinal)" is a crowning culmination of Francis Bacon’s renowned Papal series. This major work will be on view in London before being sold at auction in New York on November 12th.

Luxuriant swathes of cream, violet, and aquamarine form the Pope’s features, highlighted by delicate gossamer-like sweeps of pure, bright white that form the folds of his silk cloaks.