Elaine Wynn’s Monumental Francis Bacon Painting Acquired by LACMA in Landmark Christie’s Sale
Los Angeles, CA – September 9, 2025 – In a significant acquisition that is set to enrich the collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), a monumental Francis Bacon triptych, previously held in the esteemed collection of Elaine Wynn, has been secured by the institution. The sale, conducted by Christie’s, marks a pivotal moment for the museum and underscores the enduring allure of Bacon’s powerful artistic vision.
The painting, a striking example of Bacon’s signature visceral style, achieved a remarkable $142 million at a private sale facilitated by Christie’s. This acquisition represents one of the most substantial single-painting additions to LACMA’s holdings in recent years and is a testament to the generosity and foresight of its benefactors and the museum’s leadership.
Elaine Wynn, a prominent philanthropist and art collector, has been a dedicated patron of the arts, and her decision to entrust this significant work to LACMA will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the museum’s ability to engage the public with masterworks of 20th-century art. The Francis Bacon triptych, known for its raw emotional intensity and unflinching exploration of the human form, is expected to become a cornerstone of LACMA’s modern and contemporary art department.
Christie’s, a leading name in the international art market, played a crucial role in facilitating this historic transaction. Their expertise in handling high-value art sales and their deep understanding of the collector landscape were instrumental in bringing together the seller and the acquiring institution. The successful culmination of this private sale demonstrates the continued strength and vibrancy of the art market, even for works of immense financial and artistic value.
While specific details regarding the triptych’s subject matter and precise dimensions have not been fully disclosed, Francis Bacon’s triptychs are renowned for their profound psychological depth, often depicting solitary figures within stark, claustrophobic spaces, rendered with bold brushwork and a striking palette. These works have consistently commanded significant attention and value in the art market, reflecting their importance within the canon of post-war art.
The acquisition by LACMA is anticipated to significantly bolster the museum’s already impressive collection and further solidify its position as a major cultural institution on the global stage. The presence of such a seminal work by Francis Bacon will offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a critical figure of modern art and experience the profound impact of his artistic innovations.
A spokesperson for LACMA expressed immense gratitude to Elaine Wynn for her extraordinary generosity and to Christie’s for their professional handling of the acquisition. Further details regarding the painting’s public display and its integration into the museum’s exhibition schedule are expected to be announced in the coming months. This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for LACMA, promising to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts for generations to come.
Elaine Wynn’s $142 M. Francis Bacon Heads to LACMA as Christie’s Secures Collection
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