"I would wish my portraits to be of the people, not like them. Not having a look of the sitter, being them"
- Lucian Freud
About this Quote
Lucian Freud's quote speaks with the concept of portraiture as a kind of art that records the essence of an individual, instead of just reproducing their physical functions. He suggests that a picture must be more than a simple representation of the caretaker, however rather a reflection of their inner self. By not taking a look of the caretaker, Freud indicates that the artist must strive to capture the special qualities of the individual, rather than merely replicating their physical functions. This could be achieved through making use of colour, texture, and composition to produce a portrait that communicates the character of the sitter. Freud's quote motivates the artist to produce a portrait that is more than a simple representation of the caretaker, however rather a reflection of their inner self. This might be attained through the use of colour, texture, and composition to produce a portrait that communicates the character of the caretaker. By doing so, the artist can create a picture that is truly special and catches the essence of the person.