Fanny Eaton (1861) Fine Art Print by Joanna Boyce Wells
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What is it about Lucian Freud that has captured the imaginations of art enthusiasts for generations? An enigmatic figure, his work is as intriguing as the man himself.
The grandson of the famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Lucian was born into a family that valued the exploration of the human psyche. As an artist, he delved into the depths of his subjects’ inner worlds, creating intensely honest portraits that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
In this biography, we will explore the life, art, and legacy of Lucian Freud, a painter who revolutionised the British and European art scenes with his unique vision.
Leigh Bowery, 1991 · Oil on Canvas · 51h x 40.9w (cm) · Tate Collection, UK · © The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Images · Photo © Tate
Born on December 8, 1922, in Berlin, Lucian Michael Freud was destined for greatness. Hailing from the prominent Freud family, he was the grandson of the famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. The elder Freud’s impact on Lucian’s artistic vision was undeniable, with the young painter often reaching towards the complexities of the human psyche through his artwork.
In 1933, the Freud family escaped Nazi Germany and sought refuge in the UK. This move had a significant impact on Lucian, as he was exposed to a new world of artistic expression. As a young man, he attended the Central School of Arts and Crafts and the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing, where he honed his artistic skills under the guidance of renowned artists like Cedric Morris.
Lucian Freud’s early work demonstrated his penchant for stylistic experimentation in both drawing and painting. German Expressionism and Surrealism were influential in shaping his unique style, which later transitioned into portraiture and the exploration of human form. By the late 1940s, Freud had established himself as a skilled portrait artist, with his distinctively raw and intense approach to capturing his subjects.
In 1944, a solo exhibition at the Lefevre Gallery in London marked a career breakthrough for Freud. His works garnered critical acclaim, propelling him into the limelight and solidifying his status as an artistic powerhouse. One of his paintings, Girl with a Kitten, sold for a staggering £1.8 million at Sotheby’s in 2005, highlighting the value and desirability of his art.
Throughout his life, Lucian Freud had numerous romantic relationships, marriages, and muses, all of which played a crucial role in the development of his art. Fellow artists like Francis Bacon also impacted Freud’s work, with the two often engaging in fruitful exchanges of ideas. Their friendship was like a dance of fire and ice, with Bacon’s fiery personality contrasting with Freud’s more reserved nature.
Freud’s circle of artistic contemporaries played a significant role in nurturing his talents. Key patrons and galleries, such as the Marlborough Gallery, championed his work, providing opportunities for him to exhibit his art and further his career.
The Marlborough Gallery’s unwavering support, for example, led to Freud’s works being displayed in a variety of prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Britain in London.
Benefits Supervisor Resting, 1994 · Oil on Canvas · 150.5h x 161.2w (cm) · Sold at Christies for $56,165,000, 2015 · Photo © Christie’s
Girl with a White Dog, 1950-1 · Oil on Canvas · 76.2h x 101.6w (cm) · Tate Collection · Photo © Tate
Large Interior, W11 (after Watteau), 1983 · Oil on Canvas · 185.4h x 198.1w (cm) · Sold at Christie’s for $86,265,000, 2022 · Photo © Christie’s
Lucian Freud’s distinctive style, often distinguished by a thick impasto technique, seamlessly aligned with his intention of unveiling the inner world of his subjects. Through layers of paint, he created a textured, three-dimensional effect that reflected the tactile presence of his subjects. This method served as a conduit for capturing their beings with unflinching honesty.
A reoccurring theme in Freud’s work was the exploration of nakedness and vulnerability. The unguarded reality of his depictions laid a foundation for a powerful connection between viewer and subject.
One of his most famed paintings, Benefits Supervisor Resting (1994) is an ideal reflection of this. Here, we as viewers watch a nude woman slouched on her couch in a moment of unfiltered intimacy. This become one of a series of paintings. Its successor, Benefits Supervisor Sleeping (1995) went on to fetch a staggering £17.2 million at Christie’s in 2008, solidifying its place as the most expensive painting ever sold by a living artist at the time. Beyond its monetary value, these paintings embody Freud’s unapologetic commitment to laying bare the realities of the human experience.
Lucian Freud’s contribution to the British figurative painting tradition is immense. His work reinvigorated the genre, bringing it back to the forefront of the art world. During his lifetime, Freud received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Order of Merit in 1993, an honour bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II to individuals for their exceptional achievements in various fields.
Freud’s influence on younger generations of artists is undeniable. The likes of Jenny Saville, Cecily Brown, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye have all cited Freud as an inspiration. His work is also widely celebrated by prestigious institutions across the UK and Europe, with exhibitions at the Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Centre Pompidou, among others.
Throughout his life, Lucian Freud remained an enigmatic figure, even as his work gained international acclaim. Those who knew Lucian Freud personally often shared intriguing stories and anecdotes about the artist. Despite his fame, Freud had a curious relationship with the limelight, preferring to remain enigmatic and private. He was a man of contrasts, simultaneously evoking a sense of awe and humility, a hidden gem sparkling amidst the chaos of the art world.
The studios where Freud created his masterpieces were sanctuaries of creativity. These intimate spaces, filled with paint, brushes, and unfinished canvases, offered a glimpse into the private world of the artist. To step inside one of these studios was akin to stepping into the heart of the artist himself, a rare invitation to witness the birth of brilliance.
Girl with a Kitten, 1947 · Oil on Canvas · 41h x 30.7w (cm) · Tate Britain, London, UK · © The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Images · Photo © Tate
David and Eli, 2003-4 · Oil on Canvas · 162.6h x 174w (cm) · Tate Collection, UK · Lent from the Schroeder Collection courtesy of the Faurschou Foundation 2014・© The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Images・Photo © Tate
Lucian Freud was a complex figure who defied easy categorisation. His work, at once raw and refined, continues to captivate viewers with its unflinching honesty and unparalleled depth.
As we continue to admire and study his work, we are offered a glimpse into the mind of a man who sought to reflect the depths of human vulnerability and who, in doing so, created a lasting impact on the annals of art.
Self-Portrait: Reflection, 1996 · Etching on Paper · 59.4h x42.7 w (cm) · Tate Collection, UK · © The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Images · Photo © Tate
