"One of the best books ever written by one painter about another." -- John Russell, The New York Times

'One of the best books ever written by one painter about another' John Russell, The New York Times

Lucian Freud (1922-2011) was exceptional among 20th-century artists. His vigorous and innovative paintings are works of consistent richness and force, often disturbing and haunting. This book, in which Freud took a large part, is exceptional in itself: he chose, grouped and presented the large selection of paintings and drawings. The text is by Sir Lawrence Gowing, who was a painter himself and was a long-standing friend of Freud's.

Details

ISBN13: 9780500030912
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 216
Edition:
Publication Date: 04 Jun 2026
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 22.9(H)x15.2(L)640
Weight (gm): 640

Author Biography

Sir Lawrence Gowing CBE RA (1918-1991) was an English artist, writer, curator and teacher. Initially recognized as a portrait and landscape painter, he quickly rose to prominence as an art educator, writer, and eventually, curator and museum trustee. David Dawson is a renowned artist and photographer, with his most well known photographs being a series started in 2000 of Lucian Freud at work.

Reviews

'One of the best books ever written by one painter about another' - The New York Times
'The definitive monograph on Lucian Freud ... important and necessary' - Financial Times
'A handsome and illuminating account of [Freud's] art' - Observer
'A masterly achievement' - Arts Review