Lucian Freud, Large Head, 1993, etching, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, bequest of William S. Lieberman, 2005.

The 19th Annual Virginia and Ira Jackson Lecture is presented by Jennifer Farrell, associate curator, drawings and prints, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Lucian Freud, one of the most notable figures in postwar British art, was widely celebrated for his powerful and moving images of friends, family members, associates, and others who, in the words of the artist, “interested him.” Freud (1922–2011), the grandson of Sigmund Freud, repeatedly stated that he considered all of his works to be portraits.

Over a career spanning seven decades and in an era dominated by abstraction and more-conceptual practices, Freud expanded and challenged ideas of what portraiture could be. Although he is perhaps best known for his paintings, etching held a critical place in his practice. Freud produced six editions in the 1940s before he abandoned printmaking. After returning to the technique in 1982, however, he made etchings for nearly three decades, showing the essential place that etching held in his work.

Jennifer Farrell examines how Freud redefined the possibilities for printmaking during this period.

A reception to meet the speaker follows.