Over 100 superb colour reproductions of Lucian Freud's greatest paintings, including portraits, still lifes and nudes, pay tribute to one of the most original and accomplished artists of our times.

In his highly acclaimed essay for this survey of Lucian Freud’s work, Robert Hughes points out that the reality pursued in the paintings goes far beyond naturalism. It is both startling and disconcerting, producing some of the most powerful and moving visual images to have appeared in the last thirty years. Freud has almost single-handedly redefined the figurative painting of our time. No other living painter possesses his unique ability to paint texture and thinness of skin over flesh, and his distinctive portraits have a haunting quality that makes them impossible to forget.

See the obituary of Lucian Freud in the Economist on 22 July

Robert Hughes, the distinguished writer, critic and broadcaster, is the author of many books, including The Shock of the New - the book of the celebrated BBC television series – and Frank Auerbach, both published by Thames & Hudson.

Also of interest
Man with a Blue Scarf: On Sitting for a Portrait by Lucian Freud by Martin Gayford
Painting People: The State of the Art
Face: The New Photographic Portrait