Frank Auerbach, Leading Painter, Dies At 90

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach, Leading Painter, Dies at 90

London, England - Renowned British painter Frank Auerbach, known for his intensely expressive and often stark portraits and landscapes, has passed away at the age of 90. His death was confirmed by the Marlborough Gallery, which represented Auerbach for over 60 years.

Auerbach, born in Berlin in 1931, fled Nazi Germany with his family as a child. He settled in London, where he studied at the Borough Polytechnic and later at the Royal Academy Schools. His artistic career was defined by an unwavering dedication to the human figure, capturing the essence of his subjects with a raw and visceral energy.

His signature style, characterized by thick, impastoed paint and a distinctive palette of earthy browns and greys, emerged from a rigorous approach to painting. Auerbach often revisited the same subjects, including his close friend and muse, Juliet, over numerous sittings, meticulously building up layers of paint in a quest to capture their essence.

"Auerbach's art is not about capturing likeness but about capturing the soul," said art critic, Robert Hughes. "His paintings are not mere portraits, but rather a record of his own internal struggle with the world."

His work was widely celebrated throughout his career, receiving numerous accolades including the prestigious Order of Merit in 2007. His paintings are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Despite his fame, Auerbach remained a reclusive figure, preferring to dedicate his life to his art. He was known for his intense work ethic and his refusal to compromise his artistic vision.

Auerbach's death marks the end of an era in British art. His legacy as a leading figure in figurative painting will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of artists to come.

"Frank Auerbach was a giant of modern art," said the director of the Tate Modern, Frances Morris. "His work is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and his absence will be deeply felt."

Key takeaways:

• Frank Auerbach, a renowned British painter, has died at the age of 90.
• He was known for his intensely expressive and often stark portraits and landscapes.
• Auerbach's signature style involved thick, impastoed paint and a distinctive palette of earthy browns and greys.
• He was widely celebrated throughout his career, receiving numerous accolades and having his work displayed in prestigious collections worldwide.
• Auerbach's death marks the end of an era in British art, but his legacy as a leading figure in figurative painting will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.