The National Portrait Gallery is set to host a major exhibition of Lucian Freud's works in 2026, including previously unseen pieces. However, a preview of the current show, 'Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting', has drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning the focus on his lesser-known drawings and etchings over his celebrated paintings.
Freud, widely regarded as a master painter, produced some of the most iconic portraits of the 20th century, such as his 1990s depiction of 'Benefits Supervisor' Sue Tilley. Yet the exhibition's emphasis on his sketches and engravings has been described as 'dross' by some, with etchings ranging from 'ordinary to awful'. The show includes childhood crayonings and early works that one critic called 'indulgent' and 'confused'.
The exhibition traces Freud's evolution from a meticulous draughtsman to a painter, highlighting a pivotal shift in the 1960s when he abandoned drawing for pure paint. His 1963 'Self-Portrait' is cited as a turning point, marking the emergence of the artist known for his unflinching, oil-based realism. Despite the criticism, the show does feature some of his greatest paintings, including the towering portrait of Tilley.
Curators argue that the exhibition re-evaluates Freud as a historical figure, but detractors feel it diminishes his legacy. The 2026 show promises to offer a fresh perspective on Freud's career, though it remains to be seen whether it will celebrate or undermine his reputation as a genius of modern art.
