Naked Portrait: A Memoir of Lucian Freud

In Naked Portrait, Rose Boyt explores her complicated relationship with her father, Lucian Freud, through her diary and accounts of sitting for him, naked or otherwise. After his death, she questions the version of events she had accepted and emerges with love and compassion for him.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

In Naked Portrait, Rose Boyt delves into her intricate relationship with her beloved father, Lucian Freud, through her diary and various accounts of sitting for him, naked or otherwise. Captivated by his genius, it wasn't until after his death that she began to question the version of events she had come to accept. The revelation of the truth is profound, yet what emerges is her profound love and compassion for both herself as a vulnerable young woman and for the man himself, portrayed in all his brilliant complexity.

The opening page of Naked Portrait sets the stage for an extraordinary literary journey. Lines land with the force of detonations, creating an immediate impact. The writing is mesmerizing, drawing the reader into a hypnotic and propulsive narrative. It's powerful, haunting, and utterly compelling, with a set-up that keeps you eagerly anticipating each turn.

Cleaning the studio brought forth a unique mix of emotions for the protagonist. It made her feel special, downtrodden, and loved, albeit for all the wrong reasons. The floor was marked with brushstrokes and thinned paint, serving as a guide for repositioning furniture during sittings. These painted hieroglyphics, of no particular color but indelible nonetheless, left an impression that everything could be rearranged and put back in its place, just like his handwriting.

The protagonist's relationship with her father, Lucian Freud, is the central theme of Naked Portrait. Through her diary and other accounts, she explores the complexities of their bond, navigating the nuances of love, admiration, and doubt. Freud's genius is evident throughout, and his influence on her artistic journey is profound. However, it's only after his death that she begins to question the version of events she had accepted. The shock of the truth is profound, but it also reveals her deep love and compassion for her father, a man who is shown in all his brilliant complexity.

Naked Portrait is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of art to capture the essence of human relationships. Rose Boyt's writing is exquisite, her prose vivid and evocative. The book is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of the human mind. It challenges the reader to confront their own beliefs and perceptions, and encourages them to see the world through a different lens.

In conclusion, Naked Portrait is a masterpiece that deserves to be read and cherished by anyone who appreciates the power of literature and the beauty of art. It's a book that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind, and that will continue to inspire and challenge you long after you've turned the last page.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035024919