Painter Frank Auerbach Dead At 90

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach, Master of the Figure, Dies at 90

Renowned British painter Frank Auerbach, a master of figurative art known for his intensely textured and expressive portraits, has died at the age of 90. The news was confirmed by the Marlborough Gallery, which represented the artist for over six decades.

Auerbach's distinctive style, characterized by thick impasto, distorted forms, and a deeply felt emotional resonance, made him a significant figure in contemporary art. He was known for his dedicated commitment to portraying the human form, focusing on a select group of sitters over his long career. His subjects, often close friends and fellow artists, sat for him repeatedly, allowing him to explore their essence through multiple sittings and layers of paint.

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach fled to England with his family in 1939 to escape the Nazi regime. He began painting early on, enrolling at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in 1948. There, he was influenced by the expressionist tradition and developed his signature technique of layering paint, scraping back, and reapplying, creating a surface that evoked the physicality and emotion of his subjects.

Auerbach's artistic practice was marked by a relentless pursuit of capturing the raw truth of his subjects. His portraits, while often abstract in their treatment of form, reveal a deep understanding of the human condition, capturing not just the physical features but also the inner life of the sitter.

His work is held in major museums worldwide, including the Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Order of Merit in 2008.

Despite his international fame, Auerbach remained a remarkably private individual, fiercely devoted to his art. He continued to paint until his final years, maintaining a rigorous studio practice and consistently pushing the boundaries of his craft.

Frank Auerbach's passing is a significant loss to the art world. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and viewers alike, reminding us of the enduring power of human connection and the transformative nature of artistic expression.