**Frank Auerbach, Painter, Dies At 93**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach, Painter of Gritty Realism, Dies at 93

Frank Auerbach, the renowned British painter known for his intensely expressive and deeply personal works, passed away on October 26, 2023, at the age of 93. Auerbach, a master of figurative art, spent his life exploring the human form and the urban landscape of London, capturing the rawness of existence with a distinct and powerful style. His death marks the loss of a significant figure in contemporary art, leaving behind a legacy of poignant and captivating works that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

A Life Dedicated to Art

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach's early life was marked by the upheaval of Nazi Germany. His family fled the country in 1939, settling in London, where he would find his artistic calling. He began his formal training at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, later studying at the Royal College of Art under the renowned painter William Coldstream. It was during this time that Auerbach developed his characteristic style, characterized by thick impasto, a technique that involved applying paint thickly and with visible brushstrokes.

The Artist's Muse: The City and the Figure

Throughout his long career, Auerbach remained steadfast in his dedication to portraying the human figure and the urban environment. His paintings often depict the same subjects, repeatedly capturing their essence through a series of iterations. He was particularly known for his portraits of close friends and loved ones, including the actress and writer Juliet, the model and muse Sue Tilley, and his longtime friend, the artist E.R.R. "Rab" Jones. Auerbach's portraits transcended mere likeness, capturing the very soul of his sitters with a depth and intensity that drew viewers into their world.

Auerbach's canvases also featured the urban landscape of London, particularly the areas around Camden Town and Mornington Crescent, where he lived and worked for decades. These works captured the gritty realism of the city, its raw beauty, and the constant transformation of its spaces. Through his paint, Auerbach celebrated the ordinary, transforming the mundane into something profound and moving.

A Legacy of Influence

Auerbach's works are housed in major museums worldwide, including the Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, cementing his place as a prominent figure in contemporary art.

His influence on younger generations of artists is undeniable, particularly those who embrace the power of realism and the human figure. Auerbach's legacy is not simply a collection of paintings, but a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the essence of human experience, to explore the complexities of life, and to offer a unique perspective on the world around us.

Frank Auerbach's death leaves a void in the art world, but his impact on the landscape of contemporary painting will be felt for generations to come. His work will continue to inspire, challenge, and move viewers, reminding us of the power of art to reveal the beauty and depth within the ordinary.