“Factory in North London,” an oil on canvas artwork by Lucian Freud created in 1972, embodies the essence of Contemporary Realism. This cityscape measures 71 x 71 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork meticulously captures the gritty and unembellished appearance of an industrial building. This level of detailed rendering is consistent with the principles of Contemporary Realism, where the true-to-life depiction is paramount. The factory’s facade is presented in subdued tones, highlighting the wear and tear of the structure. Various architectural elements such as the windows, doors, external staircases, and industrial materials are painted with precision, reflecting the textural nuances and imperfections of the ageing building.
In the foreground, the artwork shows a fence, behind which we see a dilapidated structure with weathered paint, suggesting a history of industrial activity and a sense of time’s impact on man-made environments. The mechanical elements—like vents and pipes—contribute to the scene’s sense of functionality but in a state of decay. The absence of people and the stillness of the objects endow the artwork with a quiet, almost solemn atmosphere. The realism exercised here serves not just to depict the scene but also to evoke contemplation about the industrial era and its remnants in the modern age.
