A nude portrait by renowned British artist Lucian Freud fetched £13.9 million ($18.2 million) at a London auction on October 9. The painting, titled “Ria, Naked Portrait,” took 16 months to complete and was hailed as a “masterpiece” by Christie’s auctioneers. This marks the first time the work has been brought to market.
Freud, who passed away in 2011, has seen increasing demand for his works in recent years, with his unflinching portrayals of the human form captivating collectors. “He doesn’t idealize the body; he paints people as they truly are,” said Anna Touzin of Christie’s.
Freud’s works continue to command high prices. In 2022, his painting “Large Interior, W11” set a record by selling for $86 million, while his 2015 nude “Benefits Supervisor Resting” sold for over $56 million.
The auction also saw Freud’s “Head of a Woman” sell for £4.18 million, alongside works by other major artists, including Marc Chagall, Berthe Morisot, Willem de Kooning, and Jeff Koons.
Ria, Naked Portrait,” the highlight of the sale, sold for £11.8 million, with the final price reaching £13.9 million after buyer fees. Touzin described it as a “late masterpiece,” painted between 2006 and 2007, with Freud’s subject, Ria Kirby, sitting for hours each day over 16 months. “The process reflects Freud’s deep connection with his sitters, a dedication they shared,” she added.
Freud, the grandson of famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, is celebrated for his raw, unapologetic depictions of the human body, making him one of the most sought-after artists on the market today.
