The artwork entitled “Annie and Alice,” created by artist Lucian Freud in 1975, is an oil on canvas painting belonging to the Expressionism movement. Measuring 27 x 22.5 cm, this work explores the genre of nude painting (nu) and currently resides in a private collection. The piece reflects Freud’s penchant for intense psychological penetration and the fleshy materiality of the human form.
In the artwork, two figures are depicted in a state of repose, their bodies intertwined. The close-up portrayal emphasizes the tactile quality of the flesh and the physicality of their forms. Freud’s brushwork is robust and textural, adding to the sensation of embodiment and real presence. The palette is nuanced, with fleshy tones against a subdued background, directing the viewer’s focus onto the subjects themselves.
The positioning of the figures creates an intimate tableau, allowing for a candid examination of the human form. Freud, known for his unflinching depictions of the body, showcases his skill in capturing the weight and substance of his subjects. The painting’s small scale belies the intensity of its impact, inviting contemplation of the human condition as expressed through the corporeal. As is typical of Freud’s style, there is a palpable tension between representation and abstraction, where the figures are both recognizably individual and transformed into undulating landscapes of skin and bone.
