Sue Tilley, a retired benefits supervisor from St Leonards-on-sea, England, is the subject of Lucian Freud’s celebrated painting “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet.” This artwork is expected to fetch between £25-35 million ($33-45 million) at an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s in London. Tilley traveled to London to see the painting before it goes under the hammer, reflecting on her unique experience as Freud’s model.
The Journey of a Portrait
Freud’s painting of Tilley is considered a masterpiece, with Sotheby’s Europe chairman Olivier Barker describing it as “the magnum opus of Lucian’s work.” Tilley, who posed for Freud in the 1990s, was paid a modest day rate for her time. Despite the painting’s high valuation, Tilley humorously noted that she never received any financial benefit from its success.
Freud and Tilley were introduced by Leigh Bowery, a mutual friend and performance artist. Tilley posed for Freud multiple times, resulting in four portraits, two of which have broken records for their sale prices. The 1995 portrait “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping” sold for $33.6 million in 2008, and the 1994 painting “Benefits Supervisor Resting” fetched $56.2 million in 2015.
Reflections on Fame and Art
Tilley shared her initial discomfort with posing nude, a challenge she overcame with the help of Bowery. Despite the strict schedule and occasional discomfort, Tilley found the experience rewarding, often engaging in conversations with Freud about various topics. She is often referred to as Freud’s muse, a term she dislikes, preferring to be seen as a collaborator in the artistic process.
The painting, which depicts Tilley in a vulnerable state, was created during an era that celebrated extreme thinness. Tilley initially disliked the portrait for its portrayal but has since come to terms with it, recognizing the diversity of body shapes and the importance of representation in art.
As the auction approaches, Tilley hopes the painting will find a home where it is appreciated for its artistic value rather than financial gain. She expressed a desire for it to be displayed publicly, allowing more people to experience its beauty.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
