Sign in

In photos: More art by Lucian Freud

Updated on: Aug 14, 2026, 21:15:35 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link
Self-Portrait with Hyacinth in Pot, painted in 1947-48.The sketch, unlike his paintings, is a flat two-dimensional view of the 25-year-old artist wearing a contemplative look. His coat and hair are remarkably well-detailed, as are the hyacinths growing out of a pot behind the artist. (Wikimedia)
Self-Portrait with Hyacinth in Pot, painted in 1947-48.The sketch, unlike his paintings, is a flat two-dimensional view of the 25-year-old artist wearing a contemplative look. His coat and hair are remarkably well-detailed, as are the hyacinths growing out of a pot behind the artist. (Wikimedia)

To him, everyone was ugly, and ugliness was intriguing. He liked things to look awkward in the way life looks awkward. Take a look at more of the artist’s work.

Born in Berlin in 1922 to Jewish architect Ernst L Freud (son of Sigmund Freud), Lucian Freud‘s family fled Germany in 1933 and settled in London. A trained artist, he enjoyed critical acclaim from the start of his career.

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark is hosting an exhibition of his work until end-September, organised in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, London (which first hosted the show from February to May). See why his portraits stand out.

Solicitor’s Head (2003), completed at age 80, eight years before his death, shows a woman lying on a pillow. She looks soul-tired. Her skin bunches up near her shirt collar, the folds around her neck meld into her chin, and her skin seems puffy. (Wikimedia)
Solicitor’s Head (2003), completed at age 80, eight years before his death, shows a woman lying on a pillow. She looks soul-tired. Her skin bunches up near her shirt collar, the folds around her neck meld into her chin, and her skin seems puffy. (Wikimedia)

.

A rare, small-scale oil-on-copper painting by Freud depicts Francis Bacon (1952). Freud’s canvases often depict people from his inner circle. (Wikimedia)
A rare, small-scale oil-on-copper painting by Freud depicts Francis Bacon (1952). Freud’s canvases often depict people from his inner circle. (Wikimedia)

.

Portrait of Kitty depicts his wife, the artist Kitty Garman, and was completed between 1948 and ’49. (Wikimedia)
Portrait of Kitty depicts his wife, the artist Kitty Garman, and was completed between 1948 and ’49. (Wikimedia)

.

Freud’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (2001). (Wikimedia)
Freud’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (2001). (Wikimedia)
Explore the latest Lifestyle News on health, fashion, travel, relationships, food and festivals. Find useful tips, expert advice, trends and inspiring stories for everyday living.