Created by Lucian Freud in 1965, “Reflection with two children (self portrait)” is an evocative piece crafted with oil on canvas. Exemplifying the Expressionist movement, the artwork measures 91.5 by 91.5 cm and is categorized as a self-portrait. Currently housed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain, it presents an intimate glimpse into the artist’s contemplative state.
The artwork captures the raw and emotive intensity characteristic of Freud’s work, displaying a powerful self-study. In the foreground, Freud’s own visage looms large, rendered with textured brushstrokes that emphasize the physicality of his features and the nuanced complexity of human expression. The artist’s gaze is diverted, as if caught in introspection or looking beyond the canvas, engaging viewers in a silent dialogue about perception and self-awareness.
Sitting behind Freud are two children who observe quietly. They appear smaller in scale, almost overshadowed by the imposing figure in front of them, suggesting a play on depth and perspective that is at once physical and metaphorical. The use of soft, muted colors in the backdrop juxtaposes with the more vividly portrayed subjects, further enhancing the dramatic impact of the self-portrait.
Freud’s mastery of light and shadow is evident as it contours the forms, adding to the three-dimensional effect and drawing the viewer into the psychological space of the painting. The overall composition, with its interplay of foreground and background, invites contemplation about relationships, generational hierarchies, and the artist’s role in both family and society.
