Frank Auerbach, Renowned Painter, Dies at 90
Frank Auerbach, a celebrated British painter known for his intensely expressive portraits and landscapes, has passed away at the age of 90. His death was announced by the Marlborough Gallery, his longtime representative, on October 11, 2023.
Auerbach, born in Berlin in 1931, fled Nazi Germany with his family as a child and settled in London. He began his artistic career in the 1950s, quickly developing a distinctive style characterized by thick, impastoed paint and a raw, emotional intensity. His works often depicted the same subjects – friends, family, and figures from his local neighborhood – in repetitive, intimate sittings, capturing their essence with a profound understanding of human form and experience.
A Career Marked by Grit and Intensity
Auerbach's artistic process was as grueling as it was rewarding. He would spend countless hours applying and scraping away layers of paint, meticulously sculpting his subjects onto the canvas. This laborious process reflected his deeply felt commitment to capturing the raw, unvarnished truth of his subjects, both physically and emotionally.
His early works, often depicting the gritty reality of post-war London, were met with both admiration and skepticism. While some critics saw them as ugly and unrefined, others recognized the powerful honesty and emotional depth of his art.
Recognition and Legacy
Despite the initial controversy, Auerbach's work gained recognition throughout his career. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1999 and received a knighthood in 2007. His paintings are held in major collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Auerbach's passing marks the end of an era in British art. He leaves behind a legacy of powerful and enduring works that continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike. His art, steeped in the human condition and forged through years of dedicated, almost brutal, self-expression, will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
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