“After Cezanne,” created by Lucian Freud between 1999 and 2000, is an oil painting on canvas that resides in the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) located in Canberra, Australia. This work is indicative of the Expressionism movement and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork features three nude figures in a domestic setting, exhibiting different postures and suggesting an intricate human connection. The central figures are positioned on a white bed sheet spread on the floor, with one figure leaning against the other, displaying a sense of intimacy and contemplation. On the left side of the composition, a female figure stands, holding a plate with what appears to be fish or another item, adding an element of daily life. The surrounding environment, characterized by muted colors and naturalistic details, reinforces the raw and honest portrayal of the human form, a hallmark of Freud’s expressionist style. The asymmetrical upper section of the artwork, which features a cut-out that breaks the conventional rectangular frame, further underscores the artist’s intent to challenge traditional perspectives and compositions.
