Frank Auerbach: Paintings and drawings from the Lucian Freud estate

Intriguing exhibition at Tate Britain of work by Auerbach donated to the Tate by the Lucien Freud Estate in lieu of tax.

It is fascinating to see the works from the Freud estate slowly starting to appear in galleries and to see his wide collecting taste. He built the most significant private collection of Auerbach’s work. This exhibition was just a taster for a full scale show next year which is really exciting.

I love the almost sculptural nature of Auerbach’s work. Often close up in is just texture and colour but as you move away from it the picture emerges. I loved the portrait which was almost skull like close up. The use of colour is fantastic, what at first appears a slightly muddy work, in a mass of different distinct colours up close. One picture has a Turner like splash of red which drew the eye and brought the composition to life.

I also loved the lovely very personal works made for Freud such as birthday cards particularly the one showing Ruben’s “Samson and Delilah” from the National Gallery.

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