"I am only interested in painting the actual person, in doing a painting of them, not in using them to some ulterior end of art. For me, to use someone doing something not native to them would be wrong"
- Lucian Freud
About this Quote
Lucian Freud's quote encapsulates his creative viewpoint and offers insight into his technique to portraiture. Freud, a popular British painter known for his raw, unflinching depictions of individuals, stresses the significance of credibility and sincerity in art. By specifying, "I am just thinking about painting the real individual," Freud underscores his commitment to catching the authentic essence and uniqueness of his topics. His work was not about idealizing or misshaping the sitter to fit a specific artistic or visual idea; rather, his focus was on representing them as honestly as possible.
Freud's emphasis on painting "the real individual" suggests a deep regard for his topics and a dedication to protecting their authenticity. This approach is apparent in the extreme realism and information of his pictures, where every line, wrinkle, and expression is meticulously rendered. Freud believed that everyone's unique physical characteristics and characteristic deserved representing with integrity rather than modifying these features for compositional or thematic purposes.
The latter part of the quote, "not in utilizing them to some ulterior end of art," exposes Freud's conviction versus exploiting subjects for abstract ideas or artistic programs. He seems to refute utilizing people simply as vessels or signs for broader creative declarations disconnected from their real identities. This shows his resistance to dealing with topics as simple tools for achieving an artistic goal that does not align with their true selves.
Last but not least, when Freud discusses that utilizing someone "doing something not native to them would be incorrect," it shows his belief in capturing subjects in a way true to their natural state and behavior. He avoids artificiality or enforcing circumstances that do not resonate with the topic's inherent character or way of life. This credibility permits Freud's work to resonate deeply with viewers, using a truthful and relatable representation of human nature and individuality.