Meaning: This quote by Lucian Freud, the renowned British painter, provides insight into his unique approach to portraiture and his deep connection to his subjects. Freud, known for his intense and raw figurative paintings, emphasized the physicality and presence of the human form in his work. In this quote, he expresses his belief that the paint itself embodies the essence of the person he is portraying, likening it to the way flesh works for him as an artist.

Lucian Freud, the grandson of the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, was a leading figure in the figurative art movement of the 20th century. He was known for his uncompromising and often unsettling portrayals of the human figure, which delved into the psychological and emotional depths of his subjects. His paintings are characterized by their thick, impasto application of paint, which adds a visceral and tactile quality to the work.

When Freud speaks of the paint as the person, he is highlighting his belief in the transformative power of art. For Freud, the act of painting is not simply about capturing a likeness or creating a visual representation of a subject; it is about imbuing the paint with the very essence of the individual being portrayed. Through his meticulous and intense process of applying paint to canvas, Freud sought to evoke the presence and inner life of his subjects, capturing their humanity in a raw and unflinching manner.

Freud's approach to portraiture can be seen as a rejection of idealized or romanticized depictions of the human form. Instead, he embraced the imperfections, vulnerabilities, and complexities of his subjects, presenting them in a stark and unvarnished light. By equating the paint with the person, Freud emphasizes the materiality of his medium and the physicality of his process. His paintings are not just representations of individuals, but living, breathing entities in their own right, infused with the energy and spirit of the people he portrays.

In this context, Freud's reference to wanting the paint to work for him just as flesh does speaks to his desire for the paint to convey the same depth and resonance as the human body itself. He sought to capture the tactile and sensory qualities of flesh, as well as the emotional and psychological dimensions of his subjects, through the application of paint. His use of thick, layered brushstrokes and intense scrutiny of detail allowed him to create portraits that pulsate with life and intensity, blurring the lines between the physical and the emotional.

Freud's quote also reflects his view of the artist's role as a mediator between the subject and the medium. By investing the paint with the persona of the individual, he elevates the act of painting to a deeply personal and almost intimate exchange between artist and subject. Through this process, Freud not only captures the external appearance of his sitters but also delves into their inner world, laying bare their vulnerabilities and truths on the canvas.

In conclusion, Lucian Freud's quote encapsulates his deeply personal and visceral approach to portraiture. By equating the paint with the person and emphasizing its role as a conduit for capturing the essence of his subjects, Freud reveals his belief in the transformative power of art and the profound connection between the artist, the medium, and the human form. His paintings continue to resonate with viewers for their unflinching honesty and their ability to convey the raw, unfiltered reality of the human experience.