Lucian Freud (1922-2011), Lord Goodman in his Yellow Pyjamas (£50,000-70,000). (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS MADE £73,250.
The most complete survey of prints by Lucian Freud ever to be sold at auction comes up at Christie’s in London on February 15. The Printer’s Proof: Etchings by Lucian Freud from the Studio Prints Archive comprises 45 etchings. They are from the private collection of Freud’s printer Marc Balakjian, who said: “I had the pleasure of working with Lucian in my studio for twenty five years during which time we became good friends; he was always courteous and kind. His work was always exceptional but his character so informal that you would never know he was one of the most important living artists of the time. He was an inspirational artist to work with; his prints don’t just enrich his work, they are an integral part of his output”.
Unlike the typical printmaker, Freud worked from life directly onto the copper plate which he placed on an easel in front of the sitter, just as he did with his canvases. Freud’s etchings are almost entirely in black and white. Only one contains colour: Lord Goodman in his Yellow Pyjamas was hand-painted with yellow watercolour by the artist. Goodman worked for Prime Minister Harold Wilson and was chairman of the British Arts Council. He could only spare time in the mornings while breakfasting in bed so Freud visited his house each day at eight a.m.
UPDATE: THE sale realised £1,479,675 and was 86% sold by lot and 91% sold by value. The top lot was Eli, 2002 which fetched £145,250 (estimate £50,000-70,000), establishing a world record price for a print by the artist at auction.