Frank Auerbach

Early Life and Artistic Development

Frank Auerbach, born in 1931 in Berlin, Germany, is a prominent British painter known for his distinct approach to capturing the human figure and urban landscapes. After fleeing the Nazi regime, Auerbach settled in London, where he developed his unique style characterized by thick, impasto layers of paint. His formative years at the Royal College of Art in the 1950s were crucial, allowing him to experiment with abstraction and representation, which would ultimately inform his mature works.

Legacy and Influence

Auerbach's paintings are celebrated for their emotive power and complex textures, often drawing inspiration from his surroundings and the human experience. His dedication to his craft is evident in the way he often revisits the same subjects, such as his friends and local sites, allowing for a deep exploration of form and color. Over the decades, Auerbach has gained recognition as one of the leading figures in contemporary British art, influencing countless artists and securing his place in the pantheon of modern masters.