Lucian Freud Herbarium

Discover the enchanting world of Lucian Freud's 'Herbarium,' a beautifully curated hardback collection showcasing the artist's renowned paintings and drawings of botanical life. This exquisite 176-page book measures 250 x 305 mm, providing ample space for Freud's stunning works to breathe and captivate. Published by Prestel Publishing on October 7, 2019, this volume gathers for the first time Freud's lesser-known artistic exploration of plants, flowers, and landscapes, paralleling the celebrated detail in his iconic portraits. Uncover the depth of his artistic journey as you explore masterpieces such as 'Two Plants,' 'Bananas,' 'Cyclamen,' and 'The Painter's Garden,' revealing his distinctive earthy palettes and meticulous attention to botanical detail. Each work is reproduced in sumptuous plates, inviting readers to indulge in the exquisite intricacies of Freud's artistry. Through this monograph, art lovers and Freud enthusiasts will gain a fresh perspective on his unique approach to plant life, characterized by bold brushstrokes and an unconventional rawness. The collection also features comparative illustrations from art history, enriching your understanding of plants in art. 'Lucian Freud Herbarium' is an essential acquisition for both seasoned collectors and those new to Freud’s artistic legacy, offering an unforgettable visual experience that celebrates his original depictions of flora while enhancing your appreciation of art.

Author: Giovanni Aldi Publisher: Prestel Publishing
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 250 x 305 mm
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 07-10-2019

As intimate and meticulous as his revered portraits, Lucian Freud’s magnificent paintings and drawings of plant life are gathered for the first time in book form. Lucian Freud’s portraits are known for their spectacular detail and unflinching gaze. Although Freud brought the same qualities to his paintings and drawings of plants, flowers, and landscapes, these are largely unknown. This elegant book shows how working with plants emboldened Freud to experiment with style and composition. Reproduced in sumptuous plates that allow readers to indulge in exquisite detail, seventy-five works—including Two Plants, Bananas, Cyclamen, The Painter’s Garden, and Interior at Paddington—reveal Freud’s singular approach to plant life. Readers unfamiliar with this aspect of Freud’s work will find many similarities to his portraits—earthy palettes, unconventional rawness, and assiduous attention to detail. From the delicate realism of the cyclamens’ petals to the bold brushstrokes that immortalize his overgrown garden, readers will appreciate Freud’s ability to portray plants in new and personal ways. Comparative illustrations from throughout art history accompany essays on the history of plants in art and an appreciation of Freud’s oeuvre. This monograph is a tremendous contribution to Freud’s legacy, one that will enrich his admirers’ discernment while also introducing his thoroughly original depictions of plants to a new audience.