Susie
Lucian Freud
(English, 1922–2011)
1988
Medium/TechniqueOil on canvas
Dimensions27.3 x 22.2 cm (10 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.)
Credit LineMelvin Blake and Frank Purnell Collection
Accession number2003.37
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPaintings
Collections
One of the most respected artists working in the figurative tradition today, Lucian Freud painted this intimate portrait of his youngest daughter with the same lavishness found in his masterful, large compositions of naked flesh. The same complexity of gradation of tones found within the artist's larger studies of bared bodies is evident in this life-sized head. The weight of Susie's pensive expression is physically mirrored in the heavily painted surface, which would be incomplete if even one of Freud's paint-laden brushstrokes were to be removed. The resulting presence of this intimate painting exceeds it dimensions. It is both frank in description and penetrating in the artist's understanding of his subject while revealing Freud's own intimacy with his materials.
ProvenanceThe artist; with James Kirkman, Ltd., London; 1993, consigned to Robert Miller Gallery, New York; 1993, purchased by Melvin N. Blake (b. 1927 - d. 1999) and Frank M. Purnell (b. 1930 - d. 1994), New York; gift of the estate of Melvin Blake to MFA, Boston, January 22, 2003
Amy Young, archivist at Robert Miller Gallery, New York, confirmed that Freud's painting Susie was consigned to the gallery from James Kirkman, Ltd., London, who was Freud's dealer from 1972-1990. Dr. Melvin Blake purchased this painting through Robert Miller Gallery on December 7, 1993. (Telephone conversation between Sharon Matt Atkins, Research Assistant, DCA and Amy Young, Archivist, Robert Miller Gallery, New York - 1/23/04)
Duncan MacGuigan, director of Acquavella Gallery, New York, explained that James Kirkman now lives in Mexico and that has has been unable to locate a conact address. In relation to the provenance of this painting, he noted that the usual procedure once Freud finshes a painting is for the dealer to purchase the painting. James Kirkman and Freud had a falling out in the 1980's, because his paintings were not selling as quickly. Kirkman inventoried the remaining paintings in his possession and consigned them to Robert Miller Gallery. Acquavella has represented Freud since 1992. (Telephone conversation between Sharon Matt Atkins, research assistant DCA, and Duncan MacGuigan - 2/12/04)
Copyright© The artistAmy Young, archivist at Robert Miller Gallery, New York, confirmed that Freud's painting Susie was consigned to the gallery from James Kirkman, Ltd., London, who was Freud's dealer from 1972-1990. Dr. Melvin Blake purchased this painting through Robert Miller Gallery on December 7, 1993. (Telephone conversation between Sharon Matt Atkins, Research Assistant, DCA and Amy Young, Archivist, Robert Miller Gallery, New York - 1/23/04)
Duncan MacGuigan, director of Acquavella Gallery, New York, explained that James Kirkman now lives in Mexico and that has has been unable to locate a conact address. In relation to the provenance of this painting, he noted that the usual procedure once Freud finshes a painting is for the dealer to purchase the painting. James Kirkman and Freud had a falling out in the 1980's, because his paintings were not selling as quickly. Kirkman inventoried the remaining paintings in his possession and consigned them to Robert Miller Gallery. Acquavella has represented Freud since 1992. (Telephone conversation between Sharon Matt Atkins, research assistant DCA, and Duncan MacGuigan - 2/12/04)
