The artwork titled “Still-Life with a Book” was crafted by artist Lucian Freud during the years 1991 to 1992. It is an oil on canvas painting that belongs to the Expressionism movement and is categorized as a still life. The artwork displays a distinctly subdued palette, characterized by earthy tones.
In the foreground of this painting, we find a seemingly open book with pages spread wide, lying on a surface that may be interpreted as a table or a similar flat structure. The book’s pages are illustrated with dense imagery that contrasts with the otherwise broad and roughly textured brushstrokes of the surrounding environment. Behind the book, the shapes and colors blend into an undefined, illusory backdrop, giving the impression of a nondescript space or surface. The choice of colors, thick application of paint, and the undefined hints of shape suggest a depth and dimensionality that invites the viewer to look beyond the still-life and contemplate the space in which it exists. The strokes and composition of the artwork resonate with Freud’s expressionist approach, capturing mood and emotional resonance over precise representation.
