The artwork, titled “Small Portrait,” was created by Lucian Freud in 2001. It is an oil on canvas piece that belongs to the Expressionism art movement and falls under the portrait genre.
The artwork features a close-up portrait of an individual with a somber and introspective expression. Utilizing heavy brushstrokes, Freud captures the intricate details of the face, providing a raw and honest depiction of the subject. The colors are muted and earth-toned, contributing to the overall melancholic mood of the painting. The texture created by the thick application of oil paint emphasizes the contours and depth of the facial features, producing a vivid, almost tactile representation. The background is minimal, keeping the focus entirely on the subject’s face, which evokes a sense of intimacy and contemplation.