The artwork titled “Annabel, portrait III” by artist Lucian Freud, completed in 1987, represents the genre of portraiture within the art movement of Expressionism. This piece is an oil on canvas measuring 30.7 by 35.6 cm and currently resides in a private collection. Freud’s expressive use of brushwork and color renders a deeply introspective depiction of the subject.
The portrait features a close-up view of a female figure, appearing deep in thought or contemplation. The subject’s face is central in the composition, with the features rendered through a series of thick, textured brushstrokes that demonstrate Freud’s characteristic technique. The use of color in the artwork is rich yet natural, capturing the variations of skin tone and shadow with an intensity that accentuates the psychological presence of the figure. The artwork’s expressionistic style is evident in the visible distortions and exaggerations of form, which serve to evoke a sense of emotional depth and raw immediacy.
The subject’s clothing, depicted with a modest floral pattern, contrasts with the vivid portrayal of her skin, allowing the viewer to focus on the nuances of her expression. The overall composition, confined within the relatively small dimensions of the canvas, creates an intimate atmosphere that pulls the viewer into the subject’s personal space. This work, as with many of Freud’s portraits, is noted for its penetrating psychological insight, brought to life through the tactile quality of the paint and the intensity of the gaze captured within the portrait.
