The artwork titled “Susanna” was created by artist Lucian Freud in 1999. This expressive piece is rendered in oil on canvas and belongs to the Expressionism movement, embodying the genre of portraiture. Freud’s use of paint and stylistic approach in this work typifies the raw emotional intensity associated with Expressionism.
The artwork captures a figure presumed to be the subject “Susanna” in a stark and penetrating manner, as is characteristic of Freud’s intense and often unsettling interpretation of the human form. The subject appears to be seated, with their head bowed, creating a strong sense of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The brushwork is vigorous and textural, emphasizing the physicality of the medium. Freud’s palette is muted yet varied, with a sophisticated interplay of shadow and light that sculpts the subject’s features. Areas of flesh tones are juxtaposed with darker hues, resulting in a dramatic chiaroscuro effect that gives depth to the composition.
The sense of psychological tension and the unflinching examination of the human condition are palpable in this portrait, inviting viewers to engage with the subject on an emotive level. Through this work, Freud continues his exploration into the complexity of human nature, allowing the medium to convey the visceral reality of physical and emotional existence.
