**Frank Auerbach, Renowned Painter, Dead At 93**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach, Renowned Painter, Dead at 93

Frank Auerbach, the celebrated British painter known for his intensely expressive and often abstract portraits, has passed away at the age of 93. The artist, who dedicated his life to capturing the essence of his subjects with bold brushstrokes and thick impasto, left an indelible mark on the art world, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and deeply moving works.

A Life Dedicated to Art

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1939, settling in London. His artistic journey began at the prestigious Central School of Arts and Crafts in 1948, where he met the influential painter William Coldstream. Auerbach's early work showed the influence of both Expressionism and Realism, with a focus on capturing the human form in its raw and unidealized form.

The Power of Repetition

Auerbach's signature style emerged in the 1950s, characterized by his relentless pursuit of capturing the essence of his subjects through repeated sittings. He often painted the same models over and over, meticulously building up layers of paint in a process of layering, scraping, and reapplying. This dedication to the process resulted in an unparalleled level of depth and emotional intensity within his work.

A Focus on the Familiar

Auerbach's paintings are not mere portraits; they are intimate explorations of the human condition. He frequently depicted his family, friends, and close acquaintances, notably his long-time partner Julia Dray, who served as a muse throughout his career. The artist's focus on familiar faces and settings brought a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance to his work, allowing viewers to connect with the raw vulnerability and enduring strength of his subjects.

Recognition and Legacy

Auerbach's artistic career was marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. He held numerous solo exhibitions throughout his lifetime, with retrospectives at institutions like the Tate Modern, the Royal Academy, and the National Portrait Gallery. His works are now housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Auerbach's passing represents a significant loss to the art world. His groundbreaking work, marked by its intense emotional depth and unique stylistic approach, continues to inspire and challenge viewers. His legacy as a master of portraiture and a profound observer of human nature will endure for generations to come.

Keywords:

• Frank Auerbach
• Painter
• Portraiture
• Expressionism
• Realism
• Impasto
• Central School of Arts and Crafts
• William Coldstream
• Julia Dray
• Tate Modern
• Royal Academy
• National Portrait Gallery
• Museum of Modern Art
• Centre Pompidou