Lucian Freud

James Kirkman Ltd., London
Acquired directly from the above in 1988

London, Whitechapel Art Gallery; New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Madrid, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Lucian Freud: Recent Work, 1993-1994, no. 41, illustrated in colour

Bruce Bernard and Derek Birdsall, Eds., Lucian Freud, London 1996, no. 213, illustrated in colour

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality of the baby's vest has more white hues in the original. Condition: This work is very good condition. No restoration is apparent under ultraviolet light.
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This intimate and delicately crafted painting of Freud's granddaughter, Frances Glory, was acquired directly from the artist's dealer, James Kirkmann, immediately upon completion. The work is a beautiful and rare example of Lucian Freud's baby portraits and a perfect example of the artist's ability to adapt his painting style to reflect the character of the subject.  Softening his gaze and moulding the contours of the baby's sleeping form through the subtle application of half-toned hues, Freud paints his grandchild with a calm familiarity. The tight composition of the work makes the child appear almost to exist beyond the canvas, transferring the palpable intimacy between Freud and the baby to the viewer, as their gaze replaces that of the artist. 

An obsessive observer of reality, Freud's desire to paint is propelled by a fascination with form and texture.  His curiosity is tangible in this work, as his sweeping brush captures the shape of the baby through a network of bold brushstrokes that are consistently responsive and perceptive.  Resulting in the unity of the sleeping child's shape, temperament and expression, the composition that emerges has a strong feeling of completeness.  Keenly aware of the danger of sentimentality within painting, Freud paints Frances Glory with a tenderness that maintains objectivity, allowing him to capture the creases and materiality of the dress with an equal acuteness of observation as the warmth of the baby's plump cheek.