1 FRANCIS BACON

A magnificent retrospective of this greatest of postwar British painters puts our human flesh in the gladiator’s arena.
Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1 (www.tate.org.uk/britain 020-7887 8888), from Thur, ongoing, £12.50

2 TOM HAMMICK

A soft veil falls over familiar visions as colours fall into patterns that evoke feelings and moods in the canvases of this most atmospheric of painters.
Eagle Gallery, Farringdon Road, EC1 (www.emmahilleagle.com 020-7833 2674), from Sept 10, free

3 CY TWOMBLY: CYCLES AND SEASONS

A wonderful retrospective of the superlative American modernist.
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 (www.tate.org.uk/modern 020-7887 8888), until Sept 14, £10

4 JAN VAN HUYSUM

Nature preserved in all its perfection by a master of 18th-century Dutch still-life painting.
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 (www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 020-8693 5254), until Sept 30, £9, concs available

5 VIOLENCE AND SENSATION

A complement to the Tate retrospective explores the legacy of Francis Bacon in the work of painters who present the same vivid sense of violent experience, featuring works by David Hockney.
James Hyman Gallery, Savile Row, W1 (www.jameshymanfineart.com 020-7494 3857), until Oct 4, free

Explore What's On

• London Microguides