Man's Head, Self Portrait 1963

Lucian Freud painted this self-portrait with oil on canvas, using brushes to build up thick layers of paint. The materiality of oil paint—its viscosity and capacity for layering— is critical to the way the work conveys not just Freud’s appearance, but his psychological state. We can see every bristly stroke, as if the artist's very touch remains present. The tonal variations create a sense of depth and volume, almost sculptural in its intensity. The painting process, especially the layering and blending of oils, requires time, care, and repetition. This approach reflects a deliberate engagement with the traditions of portraiture. However, there is also a raw directness here, a kind of physical frankness which places the work firmly in the 20th century. Ultimately, the painting is a testament to the power of materials and making, proving that the essence of a work lies not just in its subject, but in the way it's brought into being.