The artwork, titled “Sir Cedric Morris,” was created by Lucian Freud in 1940. It is an oil portrait on canvas measuring 30.7 x 25.6 cm and is associated with the Surrealism art movement.
The portrait depicts Sir Cedric Morris against a muted backdrop, characterized by subtle tones and rough textures. Morris is presented with a contemplative expression, his pipe poised at his lips and eyes slightly averted. The rendering exhibits Freud’s distinctive style, with a focus on the physical and psychological presence of the subject. The treatment of the canvas surface is notable, with visible brushstrokes and an overall tactile quality, emphasizing the earthy palette and the wear of time both in the subject and the setting. The atmosphere is intimate and introspective, encapsulating the nuanced relationship between the artist and the subject.