Online. There will be a 55min presentation followed by 15min of discussion.
As an artist Freud (1922–2011) cared deeply about his materials and took much trouble over the presentation of his work. However, his works pose technical problems for conservators today.
This seminar considers how Freud went about his paintings and examines the materials he used. It draws on examination of his work, a wide range of documentation, much of it unexplored, and the conversations he had with various art critics and friends. It follows Freud’s changing practice across his long career. In particular, it examines his needs and processes as an artist from commencing a work to its completion.
Subjects discussed include:
- his studios;
- his choice of painting supports (canvas or in his early years panel or copper);
- the role of drawing in his work;
- his paints and brushes and his suppliers of artists materials (both British and continental);
- his practice in enlarging or reducing paintings while in progress (with help from painting conservators);
- the completion of a work by varnishing (or not); framing and glazing and the afterlife of his paintings
This seminar takes place on the centenary of Freud’s birth on 8th December 1922 and coincides with an exhibition at the National Gallery, London Lucian Freud: New Perspectives from 1 October 2022 to 22 January 2023.
Jacob Simon was previously the Chief Curator at the National Portrait Gallery and is now Research Fellow at the same institution. He was formerly editor of the Walpole Society’s journal for British art history, both voluntary positions.
For more information, please visit our website: https://academicprojects.co.uk/courses/lucian-freuds-painting-materials-and-practice/
