Man in a Chair 1985

Lucian Freud painted ‘Man in a Chair’ using oil on canvas. The lack of a specific date invites us to consider it as part of Freud’s broader exploration of portraiture. Freud, born in Berlin and grandson of Sigmund Freud, fled Nazi Germany with his family. This experience deeply influenced his sense of identity and belonging, which is subtly reflected in his art. The sitter, dressed in a suit, is presented in a moment of contemplation. The setting is sparse. The gaze of the man is averted, his hands rest on his knees. This creates an atmosphere of introspection. Freud was interested in capturing the truth of the human form, often in unflinching detail. He once said he painted people "not as they appear, but as they are." The man’s posture, with his slightly slumped shoulders and downcast eyes, hints at a vulnerability. His expression seems to reflect the weight of experience. Freud avoids idealizing the man, instead focusing on the physicality of the human body. Through this depiction, Freud invites us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities and experiences.