The artwork titled “Susie,” created by Lucian Freud in 1988, is an oil painting on canvas that measures 22.3 x 27.3 cm. It represents an intimate portrait which aligns with the genre and stylistic nuances of Expressionism. This piece, now housed in a private collection, captures the unique characteristics and emotional depth of the subject.
In the portrait, the figure of Susie is presented with an evocative and direct gaze that suggests emotional gravity. Freud’s textured brushwork gives a tangible sense of the physicality of the subject’s features and skin, bringing to the foreground the flesh and blood of the human form. The color palette is restrained, focusing on naturalistic tones that accentuate the play of light and shadow on the subject’s face. There is a palpable intimacy to the work, indicative of Freud’s capacity to delve into the psychological space of those he painted. The composition is close-cropped, inviting the viewer to engage in a silent dialogue with the individual portrayed. Overall, the artwork embodies the expressive potential of portraiture to convey human depth beyond mere likeness.
