Description

Book Synopsis
Lucian Freud (19222011), widely regarded as the greatest figurative painter of our time, spent seven months painting a portrait of the art critic Martin Gayford. The daily narrative of their encounters takes us into that most private place, the artist's studio, and to the heart of the working methods of this modern master both technical and subtly psychological. From this emerges an understanding of what a portrait is, but something else is also built up: a portrait, in words, of Freud himself. Full of wry and revealing observations, this is a book not quite like any other: the inside story of how it feels to pose for a remarkable artist, and be transformed into a work of art.

Trade Review
'One of the best books about art, and the making of art, that I have ever read' - Julian Barnes
'Freud is vividly surprising, potent and dynamic ... a portrait of an anarchic painter with views on everything from Leonardo’s failings to Princess Margaret’s voice' - Observer
'If it is Freud who dominates this book, it is Gayford’s achievement to bring him out and to do so with wit and humour as well as acute intelligence ... literally inimitable' - Guardian

Man with a Blue Scarf

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Martin Gayford

    £10.44

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    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Sat 26 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
      Published 15 August 2019
      ISBN-13 9780500295182
      978-0500295182
      ISBN-10 0500295182
      Also in:
      Art & Photography History of art Individual artists, art monographs

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Lucian Freud (19222011), widely regarded as the greatest figurative painter of our time, spent seven months painting a portrait of the art critic Martin Gayford. The daily narrative of their encounters takes us into that most private place, the artist's studio, and to the heart of the working methods of this modern master both technical and subtly psychological. From this emerges an understanding of what a portrait is, but something else is also built up: a portrait, in words, of Freud himself. Full of wry and revealing observations, this is a book not quite like any other: the inside story of how it feels to pose for a remarkable artist, and be transformed into a work of art.

      Trade Review
      'One of the best books about art, and the making of art, that I have ever read' - Julian Barnes
      'Freud is vividly surprising, potent and dynamic ... a portrait of an anarchic painter with views on everything from Leonardo’s failings to Princess Margaret’s voice' - Observer
      'If it is Freud who dominates this book, it is Gayford’s achievement to bring him out and to do so with wit and humour as well as acute intelligence ... literally inimitable' - Guardian

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