Frank Auerbach

Frank Helmut Auerbach, born in Berlin in 1931, was a celebrated British painter known for his dynamic, layered portraits and landscapes. Sent to Britain as a child to escape Nazi persecution, Auerbach lost his parents in the Holocaust, a tragedy that profoundly shaped his life and work. He studied at St Martin’s School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, where he developed his distinctive approach, applying and reworking thick layers of paint to create textured, almost sculptural surfaces. This technique reflects his dedication to capturing the depth and essence of his subjects.

Auerbach has painted the same close circle of friends, landscapes, and London scenes, especially Camden, over many decades. His repeated subjects include his friend and muse, Juliet Yardley Mills, who posed for him for over thirty years. His paintings seek to express an emotional truth, revealing the psychological complexity and shifting inner life of his sitters.

His landscapes of London, rendered in earthy, muted tones, capture the solidity and transience of his adopted home. Camden, where he lived and worked from the 1950s, is featured prominently in his work, reflecting his profound connection to the area.

Auerbach’s contributions to modern art have earned him widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Golden Lion at the 1986 Venice Biennale. His works are held in major collections worldwide, including the Tate and the Museum of Modern Art. Despite his success, Auerbach remained intensely private, focused entirely on his art, which is revered for its raw intensity, depth, and commitment to portraying the true essence of his subjects.