Lucian Freud O.M. C.H. (British, 1922-2011)
Reclining Figure

1994
signed and numbered 7/30 in pencil
etching on wove
printed by Marc Balakjian at Studio Prints, London, published by Matthew Marks Gallery, London
framed
ARR

Dimensions: plate 16.6 x 23.7cm

Archeus Gallery, London, where acquired by present owner in 2023, with label affixed verso

Reference: see Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, accession number GMA 3882

Freud first encountered Leigh Bowery in 1988 at an opening at Anthony d'Offay Gallery, where Bowery was performing. The performance involved Bowery reclining on a chaise longue behind a two way mirror, primping and preening in a succession of costumes as visitors observed. The boldness of Bowery’s narcissistic world captivated gallery goers and critics alike, and Freud had found his model. Far from a conventional beauty, Freud became fascinated by Bowery's unusual physique, the shape of his body, tone of his skin and his monumental presence.

Reclining Figure is an etching based on the composition of Freud's 1993 painting Leigh on a Green Sofa. It is a work where the line between portrait and nude is blurred, the chosen constraints of the picture plane mean that nudity wasn't strictly necessary, yet it was Freud's preference he cited that "the problem with painting a nude, of course, is that it deepens the transaction" between the artist and the sitter. This final composition was achieved after two earlier states, Freud reworked the head, face and part of the shoulder until the etching gave the right depth and perspective.

The Victoria & Albert Museum, London, hold nine trial prints of this composition, some with chalk markings and all can be viewed through accession numbers E.350-2020, E.351-2020, E.352-2020, E.353-2020, E.354-2020, E.355-2020, E.356-2020, E.357-2020, E.358-2020.