**Frank Auerbach: Painter Dies At 90**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach: Painter Dies at 90

The art world mourns the passing of Frank Auerbach, a celebrated British painter known for his intense and expressive figurative works, who died on October 26, 2023, at the age of 90. Auerbach’s work, characterized by its thick impasto and often-distorted figures, challenged traditional notions of portraiture, and became a significant force in 20th and 21st-century art.

A Life Devoted to Painting

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach’s early life was marked by the horrors of the Nazi regime. He fled to England with his family in 1939, settling in London. This tumultuous background would later find its way into his art, fueling his dedication to capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of his subjects.

Auerbach began his artistic journey at the prestigious Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, and later at the Royal College of Art. His early works focused on the urban landscapes of London, particularly the gritty streets and buildings surrounding his studio in Euston. However, it was his portraiture that would eventually define his career.

The Essence of Expression

Auerbach's portraits, often rendered in a single, painstakingly built-up impasto of oil paint, were deeply personal and revealing. He worked relentlessly on each piece, meticulously layering paint to capture the textures, emotions, and complexities of his subjects. The figures in his paintings are often distorted, almost grotesque, yet undeniably human.

His most famous subjects included E.L.T. Mesens, a Belgian art critic and writer, and Julia Dray, his long-time partner and muse. He also painted numerous self-portraits, revealing his own internal struggles and grappling with the process of creation.

A Legacy of Influence

Auerbach's influence on contemporary art is undeniable. His commitment to figurative painting, his expressive use of oil paint, and his unflinching portrayal of the human condition have inspired generations of artists. He was a master of his craft, his paintings reflecting not only his technical brilliance but also his profound understanding of human nature.

A Lasting Impression

Frank Auerbach leaves behind a legacy of powerful and evocative artwork. His paintings are housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

His passing is a significant loss to the art world, but his influence will continue to inspire and challenge artists for years to come.

Keywords: Frank Auerbach, painter, art, British, portraiture, impasto, figurative, expression, London, E.L.T. Mesens, Julia Dray, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, Metropolitan Museum of Art.