Meaning: Lucian Freud, a prominent British painter, was known for his distinctive style and approach to portraiture. The quote "Full, saturated colours have an emotional significance I want to avoid" reflects Freud's artistic philosophy and approach to color in his work.

Freud's preference for avoiding full, saturated colors with emotional significance is indicative of his desire to create a sense of rawness and authenticity in his portraits. Instead of using vibrant and emotionally charged colors, Freud often opted for a more subdued and earthy color palette. This choice allowed him to focus on capturing the raw and unembellished essence of his subjects, delving into the depths of their personalities and emotions without the distraction of bold and emotionally charged colors.

Freud's rejection of full, saturated colors with emotional significance also aligns with his commitment to portraying the human form in a realistic and unidealized manner. His portraits are characterized by their intense scrutiny and unflinching honesty, as he sought to capture the true essence of his subjects, free from any artificial or romanticized elements. By employing a restrained color palette, Freud was able to strip away any extraneous elements and focus on the raw humanity of his subjects, rendering them in a stark and unapologetic light.

In addition to his artistic intentions, Freud's aversion to full, saturated colors with emotional significance may also be understood in the context of his personal experiences and influences. As the grandson of the pioneering psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Lucian was raised in an environment steeped in the exploration of the human psyche. This upbringing likely instilled in him a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotion and a desire to delve beneath the surface to reveal the unvarnished truth.

Freud's approach to color also reflects the broader artistic movements and trends of his time. In an era dominated by abstract expressionism and the use of bold, emotionally charged colors, Freud's departure from this trend was a deliberate and conscious choice. His rejection of full, saturated colors with emotional significance positioned him as a counterpoint to the prevailing artistic currents, allowing him to carve out a distinct and influential niche within the art world.

Ultimately, Freud's quote encapsulates his commitment to authenticity and his unwavering dedication to capturing the unvarnished truth in his portraits. By eschewing full, saturated colors with emotional significance, he was able to create works that resonate with a profound sense of humanity and depth, inviting viewers to confront the raw and unadorned reality of the human experience.

In conclusion, Lucian Freud's quote "Full, saturated colours have an emotional significance I want to avoid" offers a glimpse into the artist's approach to color and his broader artistic philosophy. Through his deliberate rejection of emotionally charged colors, Freud sought to create works that are unapologetically raw and unembellished, capturing the unvarnished truth of the human experience. His distinctive approach to color and portraiture has left an indelible mark on the art world, cementing his legacy as a master of capturing the raw essence of humanity in his work.