Lucian Freud’s “Two Plants” is a major and ambitious work that took him three years to complete. The painting showcases a meticulous expression of plant themes and served as a tool for adjusting to the light of a new studio. The artwork, which measures around 149.9×120 cm, is currently displayed in the Tate Modern in London as part of the museum’s collection.
The “Plant Portraits” exhibition at London’s Garden Museum features other plant-related works by Freud, who is known for producing still-life paintings and portraits of famous people like The Queen. His techniques, which were closer to direct realism, were influenced by Francis Bacon. Freud’s works are also influenced by Expressionism, and his textured brushstrokes evoke the art of Munch and Schiele.
Freud’s portraits are notable for showcasing diverse forms of humanity, including fat bodies, ageing bodies, queer bodies, and exhausted bodies. “Two Plants” is one of his most notable works that features a plant theme, and its attention to detail and technical mastery make it a compelling example of Freud’s unique approach to painting. The painting’s inclusion in the “Plant Portraits” exhibition is a testament to its continued relevance and appeal in the contemporary art world.
