For 2-3 days a week for about 9 months in 1995, London resident Sue Tilley posed for famed British figurative artist Lucian Freud (grandson of Sigmund Freud, famed psychiatrist who founding psychoanalytical psychology).
On May 13th, 2008, the painting of Tilley by Freud will be up for auction at Christie's Auction in NYC and is expected to fetch over 17 million pounds (25-35million dollars) (making it the most expensive painting by a living artist!)
Soon Tilley (the model) heard about the buzz that the painting she posed for was being auctioned off at sucha large sum, and was interviewed by BBCNews. Below are some excerpt highlights:
"When I started I got £20 a day. I don't mind though. I got taken to the River Cafe most weekends. It was the experience. It was just fantastic. You know, so many people would love to have that experience, to work with such a great artist, and chat to them, find out about them and see what they were doing. Because you see the painting every day, you know moving along and what he's doing and how he works on it.
"And also what I used to love was there were other paintings there as well, of other people. He [Lucian Freud] has about four on the go at the same time, so each time you went you'd see how far he's moved along on the other paintings as well."
When Ms Tilley was complimented by the Today presenter on being more attractive in the flesh than in the painting, she replied: "I think all his models are, it's not just me. That's why I don't worry too much, because I think even the thin girls look odd."
I enjoyed hearing from Sue (the model), about her experience, and the important part models play in the creation and nurturing of the arts. The students in our Kish life drawing class certainly benefit greatly from the collaboration between artist and model. If you would like to hear an audio recording of her interview, you can find one by clicking below:
(audio interview with Freud's Model, Sue Tilley)
2 comments:
I think it's fascinating that she would put her body out there like that. Many women are very sensitive about their weight and I think she's very brave for putting herself out there like that. I think she should definitely get a cut off whatever that painting makes! I'm wondering why no one else has commented on this piece, yet. Any thoughts? Anyone?
Randon
Hi Randon,
Models are an important part of an artist's training and studio work at times. We certainly do value and respect their contribution, openness, and hard-work.
Most artists have a tough time making money, paying bills, buying material to make art.
Sue, the model did get paid for her modeling. And Lucian Freud got paid for making the painting when he sold it. It could have been anyone he painted but only one person to create the artwork (the artist).
It must have been an honor for Sue to have an opportunity to pose for a famous and talented artist.
I'd imagine the only people getting a cut on the sale of this piece are the current owners of the artwork and the Auction House (Christie's) that is hosting the sale and attracting buyers.
So, even the artist is not getting a cut of the sale at this point. I would not worry about Sue. She seems happy by the attention.
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