Meaning: This quote by Lucian Freud, a renowned British painter, offers a fascinating insight into the relationship between the artist and their subject. Freud was known for his intense and psychologically penetrating portraits, and this quote reflects his approach to capturing the essence of his subjects.

In this quote, Freud suggests that the "picture" or painting is the ultimate distillation of the artist's perception of the subject. It is not a mere representation of physical attributes but rather a reflection of the artist's emotions, thoughts, and investment in the subject. The phrase "all he feels about it, all he thinks worth preserving of it, all he invests it with" hints at the depth of the artist's connection to the subject and the profound significance that the painting holds for the artist.

Freud's emphasis on the unique interpretation and investment of the artist in the painting is further underscored by his statement, "If all the qualities which a painter took from the model for his picture were really taken, no person could be painted twice." Here, Freud challenges the notion of objective representation in art. He suggests that if a painter were to capture every single quality or detail of the subject, then each painting would be entirely unique and no person could be painted more than once. This notion speaks to the subjective nature of art and the impossibility of completely replicating a subject in all its complexity.

Freud's approach to portraiture was deeply psychological, and he was known for his intense focus on the individuality and character of his subjects. His paintings often convey a sense of raw emotion and introspection, reflecting the inner world of the subjects as perceived by the artist. This quote illuminates Freud's belief that the essence of a person, as distilled through the artist's perception, is what truly gives a painting its power and significance.

In addition to the philosophical implications of this quote, it also provides insight into Freud's artistic process. He valued the emotional and psychological connection between the artist and the subject, emphasizing the importance of capturing the essence rather than a mere likeness. This approach aligns with Freud's broader body of work, which often delved into the complexities of human experience and identity.

Overall, Lucian Freud's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of portraiture and the artist's relationship to their subject. It speaks to the deeply personal and interpretive nature of art, highlighting the profound emotional and psychological investment that artists bring to their work. Freud's belief in the power of the artist's perception to distill the essence of a subject underscores the rich complexity of the artistic process and the enduring significance of portraiture as a means of capturing the human experience.