The artwork titled “Head of a Man,” created by Lucian Freud between 1981 and 1982, is an oil on canvas portrait notable for its placement within the Expressionism movement. This piece, which measures 42.8 x 51.3 cm, currently resides in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
In the artwork, a man, most likely in his middle years, is depicted with an intense focus on detail and character. His face is rendered with a palpable sense of realism, capturing the wear and emotions etched into his skin. The background is a rich, earthy tone, contrasting with the man’s somber countenance and his meticulously painted attire—a patterned suit jacket over a white shirt and black tie. The man’s demeanor suggests deep contemplation or melancholy, a recurring theme in Freud’s exploration of the human psyche. The use of texture, color, and shadow demonstrates Freud’s mastery in capturing the essence of his subjects, granting this portrait a powerful presence and emotional depth.
