“Girl Holding her Foot,” painted by Lucian Freud in 1985, is a significant piece belonging to the Expressionism art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 15 by 18.2 centimeters and is classified as a nude painting (nu). Currently held in a private collection, this intimate portrayal exemplifies Freud’s mastery in capturing the human form with raw, emotive power.
The artwork depicts a nude female figure seated on a surface, her left hand resting on her extended left foot. The expression and posture suggest a moment of introspection or repose. The woman’s flesh tones are painted with meticulous detail, highlighting the varying textures and hues of her skin. Freud’s brushstrokes are both bold and delicate, creating a sense of depth and movement within the confines of the small canvas. The background is minimally detailed, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central figure and enhancing the overall sense of intimacy and vulnerability conveyed by the painting. The interplay of light and shadow across the woman’s body further emphasizes its three-dimensionality and realism, hallmark traits of Freud’s expressive style.
