Lucian is not a doctor. He does not deal with madness, and makes little difference between human and animal. The garment of his model is an obstacle to empathy.
In the 1980s, he approaches his illegitimate daughter Bella, a young adult who begins a great career as a fashion designer. His contentment is exacerbated by the guilt of having been an absent father. He paints portraits of his daughter.
When Bella understands the method of psychological approach of her father, she undresses. As with his other models, the artwork requires posing sessions that extend over several months during which Lucian tirelessly adapts his speech to the reaction of the sitter. He compensates by this process the inconvenience caused by his close viewing. For Bella, it seems that sharing lovely food has been predominant.
On November 9 in New York, Christie's sells a full length diagonal portrait of Bella, lot 17A estimated $ 20M. This small oil on canvas 99 x 91 cm titled Naked portrait on a red sofa is dated 1989-1991. The final result is made in a thick paste which is almost a colored sculpture.
This artwork is a rare feat in the art of the nude : a confident and relaxed figure without erotic or sensual effect.
unsold