The artwork, titled “Head of Bruce Bernard,” was created by Lucian Freud in 1985. This etching, characteristic of the Expressionism art movement, is a portrait measuring 297 x 297 cm. The artwork is currently held in a private collection.
In this etching, the artist captures the contemplative visage of Bruce Bernard with a meticulous array of lines and shading. The portrait is rendered with a focus on minute details, highlighting the facial features and texture of the skin. The subject’s downward gaze and slightly furrowed brow communicate a sense of deep thought or introspection. Lucian Freud’s mastery in etching is evident in the intricate cross-hatching and varied strokes that give depth and character to the portrait. The muted, monochromatic palette emphasizes the raw and honest depiction of the subject’s expression, resonating with the principles of Expressionism in portraying human emotion and psychological depth.
