The artwork titled “Man Smoking” was created by Lucian Freud between 1986 and 1987. Rendered in oil on canvas, it measures 40.8 by 50.8 cm and belongs to the Expressionist art movement. This portrait, which is currently held in a private collection, captures a figure deeply engrossed in the act of smoking.
In the artwork, a man is depicted smoking a pipe with a solemn expression. The expressive brushstrokes and vivid use of color illustrate the rugged texture of his skin, accentuating the lines and contours of his face. The subject’s clothing, a beige jacket and striped shirt with a dark tie, suggests a sense of formality. The rising smoke from the pipe adds a sense of movement and atmosphere, contrasting with the otherwise still and contemplative pose of the sitter. Freud’s attention to detail and masterful application of paint underscores the emotional depth and intensity that characterize this compelling portrait.