Lucian Freud Dies at 88

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Eli, David Dawson's Whippet, in the Artist's Studio by David Dawson

Lucian Freud, a man who redefined the portrait, died on Wednesday July 20, 2011. He was as gifted at painting naked flesh as he was at capturing the essence of dogs. They often appeared with his subjects; entangled, sleeping, head and limbs heavy, with an insolent gaze. Supposedly Freud liked their arrogance and the way they relaxed his subjects and allowed him to see the animal in them. He was known to quote T.S. Eliot's Preludes:

I am moved by fancies that are curled
Around these images, and cling:
The notion of some infinitely gentle
Infinitely suffering thing.

Today, writer Gerry Cordon has posted a beautiful tribute to Lucian Freud and his dogs here. In 2007, I wrote about Lucian Freud's dog art, his Grandfather Sigmund Freud's relationship to his dogs, and his daughter Bella's dog-love here. See more photos of Lucian Freud's studio and his dogs by David Dawson here.

Lucian Freud's Painting of his Dog Pluto's Grave by David Dawson

Rest in peace.

Comments

6 responses to “Lucian Freud Dies at 88”

July 22, 2011

superheidi

Oh yes, one of the greatest living painters has gone. I’m getting a bit sour of all the typical nonsense comments about Freud today (horrible long modelling sessions. And ofcourse how he depicted people in an ugly and unflattering way). Freud loved people and dogs, you just have to allow yourself to open your eyes. So thank you for this posts and the links!

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July 22, 2011

Moira McLaughlin

I feel the same way, Heidi. His portraits are some of the most intimate of any artist ever. I dont think you could get that intimate, and fleshy, unless you loved human beings on some level. He focused his whole life on them — and dogs, also showing how intertwined and similar we are with our animal companions.
Moira McLaughlin
Dog Art Today
https://dogarttoday.com

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July 22, 2011

Valerie Malliett

I got undressed and got in bed. I propped up the laptop on some pillows and read my email. Following your link to Gerry Cordon’s pages I watched the Freud documentary. So many really interesting paintings. The screen faded to black and to another painting of a woman when I realized that it was my reflection in the dark screen with the dog sleeping next to me.

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July 23, 2011

christine

Truly one of my favorite painters. I had no idea he passed; thanks for this post.

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July 23, 2011

nancy

Sad to hear this, and thank you for letting us know.
But 88 is pretty darn good! May we all make it that far.

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July 23, 2011

Moira McLaughlin

Valerie – Your comment is a fitting, surreal, tribute to a man who was fascinated by beds, dogs, and intimacy. So powerful and moving. Thank you for sharing.
Moira McLaughlin
Dog Art Today
https://dogarttoday.com

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