The 1970s were a decade of profound change and reflection in Francis Bacon's art, marked by personal tragedy and a deepened introspection in his work. The decade began with the tragic death of Bacon's lover, George Dyer, from a drug and alcohol overdose in 1971, just two nights before Bacon's retrospective at the Grand Palais in Paris. This event profoundly affected Bacon and led to the creation of the 'Black Triptychs,' a series of paintings expressing his grief and commemorating Dyer. While Dyer was not always explicitly named, he continued to be a presence in numerous paintings throughout the years that followed​ (Francis Bacon)​. The aftermath of Dyer's death prompted Bacon to turn to self-portraiture more obsessively. Bacon remarked that, with the passing of many close to him, he had "nobody else to paint but myself." The self-portraits from this period offer a means for Bacon to confront his own mortality, often featuring poignant reminders of the passage of time, such as the prominent wristwatch in some portraits. This era of Bacon's work is characterized by its introspection and the complex portrayal of his psyche​ (Francis Bacon)​​ (Sothebys.com)​. New figures did enter Bacon's portraiture later in the 1970s, among them Peter Beard, a renowned fashion and wildlife photographer whom Bacon had met in the mid-1960s. The inclusion of new subjects into his work signaled a continuing evolution of his artistic focus, even as he continued to deal with themes of loss and the passage of time​ (Francis Bacon)​. The 1970s stand out as a period where Bacon's art became more inward-looking, marked by a series of powerful self-portraits and the haunting presence of those he had lost. The 'Self-Portrait' from 1975 is particularly noted for its boldness and introspection, positioning Bacon among the ranks of art history's masters of self-representation​ (Sothebys.com)​. Bacon's work from this era, while reflecting personal loss and solitude, also showcases his resilience and continued creative evolution, underscoring his status as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century art.