Lucian Freud

"Head of a child" Watercolour on paper, 1961.

Being one of the most well known and respected of all living artists Freud is not someone that would seem like an obvious choice for this blog. However, five small watercolour studies recently sold at auction that, unlike the grand oils, etchings and drawings he is known for, represent something new and perhaps unseen in his oeuvre. These watercolours were part of the private collection of recently deceased American artist R.B. Kitaj, a friend of Freud's who probably acquired them through his long association with the London artist. Sensitive and experimental - and probably not seen in public for a long while - they give an insight into a period when Freud's art was undergoing the dramatic changes that would see him evolve into one of history's great painters, albeit in oils.

"Child Reading II" Watercolour on paper, 1961.

"Head of a Child II" Watercolour on paper, 1961.



"Head of a Child III" Watercolour on paper, 1961.



"Head of a child resting II" Watercolour on paper, 1961.

▪ Lucian Freud at Wikipedia.