Early Life and Career
Lucian Michael Freud, a renowned British painter and draftsman, was born on December 8, 1922, in Berlin, Germany. As the grandson of
Sigmund Freud, the famous psychoanalyst, Lucian's family moved to Britain in 1933 to escape the rise of Nazism. This relocation would significantly influence his artistic style and subject matter.
Artistic Style and Influences
Freud's early work was characterized by a mix of Surrealism and
German Expressionism, but he soon developed a unique, realist style. His paintings often featured somber, thickly impastoed depictions of friends and family in unsettling interiors and urban landscapes. This intense focus on portraiture led to Freud being considered one of the foremost 20th-century British portraitists.
Notable Works and Techniques
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Girl with a Kitten (1947, Tate), an early work showcasing Freud's emerging style
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And the Bridegroom (1994), a portrait of Leigh Bowery, highlighting Freud's ability to capture the essence of his subjects
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Drawing of spinal nerve cells (Freud Museum London), an example of Freud's early scientific illustrations
Techniques:
* Utilization of large hogs-hair brushes for textured, vibrant flesh tones
* Employment of muted colors for non-flesh areas
* Often painted standing up, later switching to a high chair in old age
Legacy and Influence
Freud's 60-year career has left an indelible mark on British portraiture. His intense, psychologically charged paintings continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Selected Artworks and Museums Featuring Lucian Freud's Work
* Tate, London, UK
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Freud Museum London, London, UK
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Goldsmiths' College, University of London, UK (where Freud attended and later taught)