Sue Tilley, a retired benefits supervisor from St Leonards-on-sea, England, is the subject of Lucian Freud’s monumental painting “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet” (1996). The painting is estimated to fetch between £25-35 million ($33-45 million) at an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s in London.
Meeting the Masterpiece
Tilley recently visited Sotheby’s to see the painting before it goes under the hammer. Despite the high valuation, she humorously noted that she never received substantial financial compensation for her role as Freud’s model, having been paid a modest day rate during the 1990s.
Freud, who passed away in 2011, painted Tilley multiple times, creating four portraits that have become iconic in the art world. Among these, “Benefits Supervisor Resting” and “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping” have set records for their sale prices, with the latter selling for $33.6 million in 2008, and the former for $56.2 million in 2015.
A Unique Collaboration
Tilley was introduced to Freud by Leigh Bowery, a mutual friend and performance artist. Despite initial nerves about posing nude, Tilley found the experience rewarding and developed a rapport with Freud, often engaging in conversations about life and art during their sessions.
While Tilley has been described as Freud’s muse, she dislikes the term, preferring to see herself as a collaborator in the creative process. She acknowledges that Freud’s portrayal of her was both realistic and exaggerated, capturing her essence while adding fictional elements.
Looking Ahead
As the auction approaches, Tilley hopes the painting will find a home where it is appreciated for its artistic value rather than as a financial asset. She expressed a desire for the artwork to be displayed in a gallery, allowing the public to enjoy it.
“Sleeping by the Lion Carpet” will be on display for free at Sotheby’s in London starting June 10, offering art enthusiasts a chance to view the masterpiece before it potentially sets another record at auction.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
