A Buyer's Guide To Lucian Freud

Freud, one of the most significant British painters of the 20th century, was renowned for his intense, psychologically revealing portraits. Born in Berlin in 1922 and the grandson of Sigmund Freud, he immigrated to England in 1933. His work primarily focused on realism, especially portraiture and the human figure, depicting his subjects with raw, unflinching honesty. Freud captured every detail, from sagging skin to bulging muscles, with an unsettling intimacy. His jarring aesthetic may be discomforting at first, but it demands attention and becomes impossible to ignore.

Freud began experimenting with printmaking in the 1980s, well into his career as an established painter. Etching allowed Freud to extend his interest in fine detail, and he approached printmaking with the same rigour he applied to painting. Freud’s prints, particularly his etchings, are highly sought after in the art market due to their technical precision and psychological depth. Collecting Freud’s prints offers a more accessible entry point into his work compared to his paintings, which often sell for millions at auction. The rarity of his prints, combined with Freud’s masterful technique, makes them a valuable addition to art collections.

Starting a Freud print collection requires not only an understanding, but an appreciation of his distinctive style and intimate portrayal of his subjects. Freud’s prints, like his paintings, often feature portraits of friends, family, and fellow artists, capturing their bodies in raw, vulnerable states. Freud’s etching technique was unique, where he worked directly onto copper plates, often placed on an easel, illustrating a simple and stripped-back aesthetic that mirrored his uncompromising, realistic interpretations. His early works from the 1940s are interpreted to show surrealist influences, likely inspired by his grandfather, Sigmund. Works that show surrelaist influences are mostly seen threw originals, paintings and unique works on paper. Some examples created in 1943 include Man With A Feather, Self-Portrait selling in 2005 for £3.7 million and Study For The Artist's Room achieving £36,000 in 2006.

From the 1980s, Freud’s printmaking reached a mature phase as he collaborated with notable publishers like Lawrence Gowing and Terry Willson. His print techniques during this period often showcased intricate details, such as visible white dots and cross-hatching. One prime example is Lawrence Gowing (Second Version), a rare print with an edition size of just ten, with an estimated market value between £9,000 and £14,000, according to MyArtBroker’s AI-Value Indicator.

Freud’s printmaking reached new levels of refinement through his collaboration with Marc Balakjian at Studio Prints in North London. During this period, his etching style became more polished, and his works were produced in small editions, often accompanied by special proofs that offer unique variations. While most regular editions were limited to 40 prints, additional trial proofs (TP), printer's proofs (PP) in editions of two, and artist's proofs (AP), typically in runs of 10 to 12, were also produced. These limited-edition special proofs have consistently sold at a premium, making them particularly desirable to collectors for their further exploration of texture in the work. Understanding Freud's market and identifying the specific print and style you desire is key to making the right acquisition.

Freud’s artwork has consistently garnered international recognition since the late 1980s, making his pieces a strong investment for collectors. His paintings are regularly featured in marquee evening and day auction sales, with commendable million dollar results. In the early 1990s, Freud's works were already fetching six-figure sums, such as Man Smoking (1956-58), an oil on canvas, which achieved £660,000 at Sotheby’s in 1990–a remarkable price for a relatively small portrait. Freud’s print market gained momentum in the early 1990s, with Ill in Paris (1948) being the first to reach £10,000 at auction in 1992.

Freud's print market saw substantial growth by the late 2000s, gaining recognition and demand. With over 1,200 works offered at public auction, many fall within the prints and multiples category, reflecting steady demand for this medium. In 2023, Freud ranked among ArtPrice's top 100 selling artists by sales turnover. The demand for Freud's prints is consistently fuelled by high-value painting sales, and his global auction presence is particularly strong in the United Kingdom and the United States, making his works a considerable investment for collectors.

Freud's current auction record for a print is held by David Dawson (1998), which sold at Christie's in 2018 for £225,819–significantly outperforming its £14,000 high estimate. This sale highlights the strong demand and increasing value of Freud's rare print works. Freud's prized etchings, including those of his dogs like Eli (2002) and Pluto (1988), have fetched £145,250 and £156,250 respectively. Portrait etchings like Kai (1991-92) and Self-Portrait (Reflection) (1996) are similarly valued in the high tens of thousands. Even his Plants etchings, initially valued at £20,000-£30,000 in 2003, can now exceed £60,000.

Naked portraits, such as Blonde Girl (1985), also demonstrate significant appreciation. First sold in 1992 for £2,800, this etching now commands prices between £12,000 and £40,000. While Freud's prints vary in value, many factors, such as auction cycles and print condition, contribute to this fluctuation. Given Freud's consistent auction presence and the wide range of works available, navigating the market can be complex. For collectors interested in Freud prints or seeking advice on valuation and market trends, get in touch to speak with our sales specialists who are happy to provide guidance on timing and purchasing.

Freud's print market is expansive, despite many of his works being produced in limited edition sizes. Collectors are often drawn to these rare and intricate prints, which showcase the delicate yet dense quality of Freud's mark-making, achieved through his distinctive printing process. The imagery reflects a raw honesty and vulnerability that appeals to discerning collectors. Below are several Freud prints that we have on our watchlist for 2024.

Woman with an Arm Tattoo: Created in 1996, this print has been relatively popular in terms of market volume, though it typically appears at auction only once a year. The etching was produced in an edition of 40, along with several APs and two PPs. In 2012, an edition numbered one of two set a record for this print, selling for £121,250. This rare and highly coveted work offers a range of prices depending on the specific proof, making it one of Freud's most sought-after portraits.

Garden in Winter: Like the previous work, this piece was first produced with two PPs, with the first edition appearing on the market in 2012 and setting a high benchmark by selling for £79,250. Although various sales of APs and regular editions have surfaced, they have become relatively scarce over the past five years. The most recent sale, a regular edition from the set of 40, fetched an impressive £56,700. This result is not far off from the auction record set by the PP, indicating a continued appreciation in both value and demand, even for regular editions.

Lord Goodman in His Yellow Pyjamas: Created in 1987, this work is a cropped portrait of the sitter that captures emotional, physical, and psychological depth all at once. It marked Freud's return to etching after a hiatus and was produced with special edition proofs, alongside a larger regular edition of 50. Known for its hand-colouring, this piece has shown consistent popularity on the market, with prices ranging from £25,000 to £70,000.

Looking To Acquire Freud Prints?

Browse Freud prints on the Trading Floor and sign up to MyPortfolio Collection management.

Freud currently does not have an official authentication committee. While there may have been a process for authenticating his works, the Lucian Freud Catalogue Raisonné, published by his estate, is now the primary resource for verifying his paintings, drawings, and prints. The official website of Lucian Freud’s estate is managed by the Lucian Freud Archive, which offers a digital overview of his works but does not provide authentication services. One notable dispute involved the painting Standing Male Nude, purchased in 1997. Despite Freud's denial of authorship, experts eventually authenticated it as his work, with the assistance of AI technology, illustrating the evolving nature of authentication over time.

Additionally, carefully check provenance and supporting documentation. Professional guidance is strongly recommended to verify your purchase. Many experts will insist to inspect the print in person to confirm that the paper matches that used by the publisher Freud collaborated with during the period of creation. Freud’s printmaking technique was distinctive, with each edition–TP, PP, AP, or regular–exhibiting variations, which are often evident in the changing line quality and tonal depth. Subtle shifts in mark-making and density between early and final proofs are aspects professionals carefully consider. For further information on Freud authentication explore MyArtBroker's Lucian Freud Seller's Guide and discover live demand for Freud prints on the Trading Floor.

When purchasing a Freud print, it's essential to assess potential condition issues, which can range from fading, foxing, and discolouration to paper creasing or damage from improper storage. Freud's prints are often delicate, and such issues can significantly impact their value and longevity. Always request a condition report before purchasing a print to be informed of any underlying issues. While prints in poor condition may hold less value on the secondary market, they can present opportunities for collectors with specific budgets. If the print you’re interested in has condition concerns, avoid attempting repairs on your own, as improper handling can worsen the damage. Instead, consult a professional restorer who specialises in fine art prints to address the issues and ensure the artwork's proper preservation. Learn more in our guide to restoring and caring for modern and contemporary prints.

With a large volume of Freud's work on the market, there are many opportunities to acquire one of his prints. These can be found not only in marquee evening and day sales but also in Impressionist and Modern Art auctions worldwide. While purchasing from trusted galleries and auction houses is advisable, keep in mind that these venues charge fees–auction houses may have buyer's premiums up to 25%, along with shipping and storage costs. Alternatively, you can buy privately through dealers or digital platforms like MyArtBroker, offering more flexible and transparent buying options. Reach out to specialists to discuss details.

A Dedicated Specialist

At MyArtBroker, we provide a seamless and secure solution for those looking to acquire Freud prints. Our print specialists, who are experts in Freud’s market, offer invaluable guidance, connecting buyers to a trusted network of collectors and dealers. Whether you’re expanding your collection or making your first purchase, our specialists ensure authenticity by conducting thorough condition checks, verifying provenance, and authenticating the artwork. They manage every detail, including delivery, combining expert guidance with the convenience of an online process, allowing you to buy with confidence. For more information on art shipping, conservation, condition checks, framing, and all your art buying needs, refer to The Directory, where you can find trusted contacts and guidance for every step of your purchase.

Our Network

Our extensive network includes over 30,000 collectors, dealers, and galleries who actively buy and sell Freud works daily. With global connections, we have access to the most sought-after prints. Our platform attracts thousands of monthly visitors, and we regularly share updates on the market, auction results, and news about Freud’s work. We provide in-depth resources, including artist biographies and expert essays, helping you stay informed about the ever-evolving Freud market.

If you’re looking to purchase a Freud print, contact our team, and we’ll expertly guide you through the buying process. You can also explore available Freud works on our Trading Floor or manage your collection with MyPortfolio Collection Management.