LUCIAN FREUD

Such a beautiful cover, it's a shame they felt the need to write anything on it. 'Lucian Freud - Portraits', tucked discreetly on the left as though slightly apologetic for appearing on so exquisite a painting.

This comprehensive book accompanies the National Portrait Gallery's major Spring 2012 exhibition, exploring Lucian Freud's extraordinary body of work across seven decades, from the early 1940s until his death in 2011. Selected in close collaboration with the artist himself, this authoritative survey features over 130 paintings, drawings and etchings from prestigious public and private collections worldwide.

Lucian Freud was one of the world's greatest realist painters, known for his intense psychological insight and raw, unflinching portrayal of the human form. His work delves deep into the complexities of portraiture, capturing not just physical likeness but the inner life and vulnerability of his subjects.

The book includes previously unpublished interviews with Freud conducted by Michael Auping between 2009 and 2011, where the artist discusses the intricacies of painting nudes and self-portraits, his artistic process, and his admiration for fellow masters. Sarah Howgate's insightful essays and John Richardson's contributions provide invaluable context to Freud's artistic evolution.

An essential addition to any serious art book collection. The quality of reproduction is exceptional, allowing readers to appreciate the texture and depth of Freud's brushwork in stunning detail.

Early Influences: Freud was initially influenced by German Expressionists and Surrealists. His early works reveal a fascination with the psychological and surreal, which gradually evolved into an intense, unflinching focus on the human form and its raw reality.

Personal Intimacy: Freud often painted people he knew intimately—friends, family, lovers. This closeness allowed him to capture profound psychological depth and complexity, resulting in portraits that are both revealing and honest in their vulnerability.

Meticulous Observation: Known for his extraordinary attention to detail, Freud spent countless hours with his sitters across many sessions. His dedication to capturing every nuance of appearance and personality became a hallmark of his practice, demanding immense patience from both artist and subject.

Artistic Influences: Freud admired and was influenced by contemporaries like Francis Bacon, his close friend. Bacon's bold, often disturbing works may have encouraged Freud to explore the raw, unvarnished aspects of his subjects with similar courage.

Technical Evolution: Freud's use of thick impasto and his preference for natural light contributed to the tactile, almost sculptural quality of his portraits. His technique evolved over decades, becoming increasingly textured and layered, adding remarkable depth and presence to his work.

His unique approach—combining exceptional technical skill with penetrating psychological insight—has made his work profoundly influential and deeply respected in the art world.