David and Eli 2004

Lucian Freud made this painting, "David and Eli," using oil paint to build up the image. The materiality of the paint itself is key here. Freud's method emphasizes the visceral quality of the paint. Thick impasto strokes capture the texture of the skin and convey a sense of lived experience. It's not just about what is depicted, but how it is depicted: the processes used by the artist is what endows this work with meaning. This is a modern take on realism, less concerned with classical ideals and more with the raw, unflinching portrayal of the human form. The layered application of oil paint in the portrayal of the human form is not just descriptive; it reflects the layers of emotion and experience embedded in the subject. The heavy materiality invites us to consider what is at stake when we elevate painting as ‘high art’ over other forms of making. Ultimately, by attending to the material qualities and processes of “David and Eli,” we gain a deeper appreciation for the artwork and the labour involved in the creative process.