The artwork, “Girl in a Fur Coat,” was created by Lucian Freud in 1967. This oil on canvas piece, measuring 56 x 61 cm, is a striking example of the Expressionism movement. As a portrait, it falls within the genre that captures the essence and psyche of its subject through vibrant and emotive brushwork.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted against a muted backdrop, allowing the attention to be drawn to her. The fur coat envelops the figure in warm, detailed textures, contrasting with her delicately painted facial features. Freud’s technique imbues the work with a sense of intimacy and psychological intensity, characteristic of his portraiture. The person’s gaze is downcast, which adds a contemplative and perhaps melancholic undertone to the piece. The varied and layered colors in her face convey depth and realism, while simultaneously abstracting the emotional state of the individual portrayed.