“Figure with Bare Arms,” created in 1961 by the artist Lucian Freud, is an oil painting on canvas that belongs to the Expressionism movement. The artwork, a portrait genre piece measuring 91.5 x 91.5 cm, is housed within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a seated individual, rendered with striking realism and expressive brushwork. The central figure, shown with bare arms raised behind their head, exudes a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The portrait is characterized by its vivid depiction of the figure’s musculature and the use of warm, earthy tones that evoke a feeling of immediacy and emotional depth. The facial expression is deeply contemplative, and the brushstrokes capture the texture of both the skin and the fabric of the figure’s clothing, exemplifying Lucian Freud’s masterful technique and psychological insight. The background, a blend of muted browns and soft yellows, further amplifies the intimate and intense atmosphere of the portrait.
