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Large Head

Lucian Freud British, born Germany
Printer Marc Balakjian British
1993
Not on view
Among Freud’s most recognizable muses was the Australian performance artist Leigh Bowery (1961–1994). Freud met Bowery in 1988 and made numerous paintings and etchings of him before his death. Bowery was known for using elaborate costumes and makeup in his acts, yet Freud chose to show him naked and without props in this intimate composition. Freud sought to capture what he described as "the inner life" of his subjects—as well as his relationship or reaction to each person—as opposed to performances or affected behavior. By tightly cropping the image, Freud created a sense of vulnerability that is heightened by Bowery’s closed eyes, which make him appear as if he were sleeping.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Large Head
  • Artist: Lucian Freud (British (born Germany), Berlin 1922–2011 London)
  • Publisher: Matthew Marks Gallery
  • Printer: Marc Balakjian (British (born Lebanon), 1938–2017)
  • Date: 1993
  • Medium: Etching
  • Dimensions: Plate: 27 5/16 x 21 5/16 in. (69.4 x 54.1 cm)
    Sheet: 32 1/2 x 26 1/8 in. (82.6 x 66.4 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Bequest of William S. Lieberman, 2005
  • Object Number: 2007.49.588
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Head and Shoulders of a Girl
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Kai, Lucian Freud British, born Germany, Etching
Kai
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1991–92
Ill in Paris, Lucian Freud British, born Germany, Etching
Ill in Paris
Lucian Freud
1948
Man Posing, Lucian Freud British, born Germany, Etching
Man Posing
Multiple artists/makers
1985, published 1986
Seated Man Smoking, Lucian Freud British, born Germany, Pen and black ink on paper
Seated Man Smoking
Lucian Freud
1942

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