“Pluto and the Bateman Sisters,” a 1996 oil on canvas painting by Lucian Freud, is a notable work within the Expressionism movement. It belongs to the genre of nude painting (nu) and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork presents a raw and intimate depiction of two nude figures and a dog. The central figure, a woman, is seated on a bed with her legs beneath her and her torso upright, gazing directly at the viewer. The brushstrokes, characteristic of Freud’s style, are vigorous and textured, capturing the contours and imperfections of the human form. To her side lies the second figure, presumably another woman, partially obscured. At the foot of the bed, a slender dog lies in a restful pose. The scene exudes a combination of vulnerability and stillness, with the muted palette highlighting the naturalistic representation of skin tones and fabric. Freud’s attention to detail and his ability to convey the physical and psychological presence of his subjects are evident in this powerful composition.
