Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration

 V&A South Kensington

  Opens 22 January 

One of the foremost British artists of the 20th century, Lucian Freud is best known for his figurative paintings, but he also made many etchings, often of the subjects and sitters featured in his painted works. A selection of these intricate and intimate prints will be on display at the V&A South Kensington in 2024. The show will explore this lesser known aspect of Freud’s work and will feature highlights from a unique collection of trial proofs amassed by master printer Marc Balakjian, who worked with Freud for more than 20 years. Most of these proofs have never been exhibited anywhere before, so the display will offer fresh insights into Freud’s working practice. Some proofs relate to published prints; others are rare impressions of prints that Freud abandoned or rejected. The collection is a remarkable record of Freud’s sustained engagement with printmaking and offers a vivid and illuminating account of an extraordinary creative collaboration between artist and printer.   

Images

After Constable’s Elm, 2003, etching by Lucian Freud. Museum no. E.1063-2003 © The Estate of Lucian Freud. All Rights Reserved 2023, Bridgeman Images

Trial proof of Pluto Aged Twelve, 2000, etching by Lucian Freud. Museum no. E.363-2020 © The Estate of Lucian Freud. All Rights Reserved 2023, Bridgeman Images