It is sad to read that Lucien Freud has died. I saw a couple of exhibits of his work and was astonished at his portraits. I believe I saw the painting above, "Benefits Supervisor Sleeping" or I've seen photos of it -- it was sold a few yeas ago for $17 million, the most ever paid for the work of a living painter. I vividly remember his painting of Leigh [Brouly - perhaps misspelled]. Freud loved painting very large people on his ratty old sofa. These were fascinating paintings but I especially was moved by a portrait he did of his mother [properly clothed], a very real and lovingly painted picture. At a small show of drawngs at MoMA maybe three years ago there was a wonderful etching of one of his whippets done just as lovingly.
I don't need to write biographical material, it will be in the major papers tomorrow. I'm always very glad I lived in a place where I could see wonderful art. One of my youthful ambitions had been to live in such a place, although at that early age I had not understood that it had to be New York City.
4 comments:
June -- was unfamiliar with this famous painter. The photo you have included on your post reminds me of an ancient fertility goddess figurine. I learn so much about art and books through your posts -- barbara
Thanks for your note. yes, she is like a fertility goddess. He also painted fat men.
I think nude art can be very beautiful whether it be a very large woman or man but some of his work can be a little to graphic for me. It may be in his genes as his Uncle (I believe) was Sigmund Freud. However, his portrait work is great. Now his work will be sold for even more than before.
Siggy was Lucien's grampa. And it's sad that artists usually have to die before their work makes really big buck -- but Lucien did okay, I'd say.
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