The artwork “Interior with Plant, Reflection Listening (Self-Portrait)” by Lucian Freud was created over the period of 1967 to 1968. This oil on canvas painting measures 121 by 121.8 centimeters and is categorized in the genre of interior artwork within the movement of Expressionism. Presently, it resides in a private collection.
In this contemplative work, the focal point is a sizable indoor plant that occupies the majority of the composition. Its leaves are rendered with meticulous attention to detail, their variegated greens and yellows depicted with a realism that flirts with abstraction due to the intense focus on their texture and form. Through the dense foliage, a subdued reflection of the artist can be seen in the background, contributing to the self-referential nature of this piece. The reflection appears contemplative and somewhat distorted, a testament to Freud’s interest in the introspective aspects of portraiture.
By using a mirror in the painting, Freud not only incorporates himself into the artwork but also plays with the concepts of perception and reality. The interior setting is muted, with earthy tones that allow the plant’s vibrancy to dominate the visual narrative. The combination of sharp detail and soft, painterly reflections creates a tension, a hallmark of Freud’s celebrated style within the expressive potential of the oil medium. The piece exudes a sense of quietude and an introspective atmosphere, inviting the viewer to engage with the work on multiple levels – both the literal visual experience and the psychological resonance it implies.
