Frank Auerbach in his Studio
About this artwork
Bernard took this portrait of German-born British painter Frank Auerbach just a week before his own death. Auerbach left Nazi Germany and moved to England in 1939. He met Bernard in the 1950s and this portrait is one of several Bernard took of artists in their studios. It shows Auerbach looking directly into the camera with a somewhat grave, yet compassionate expression – perhaps he was aware that Bernard did not have long left to live. The background features several sketches by Auerbach pinned to a wall and a large mirror with a length of cord looped over the edge. There is a sinister undertone to this composition as the cord reaches down Auerbach’s reflection like a noose about to be placed around his neck.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Bruce Bernard (1928 - 2000) English
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title:Frank Auerbach in his Studio
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date created:2000
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materials:Silver bromide print on paper
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measurements:28.80 x 42.80 cm (paper 40.40 x 50.60 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased by the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland 2003
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accession number:GMA 4703
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gallery:
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depicted:
Bruce Bernard
Bruce Bernard
Bruce Bernard is best known for his work as Picture Editor on the Sunday Times magazine during the 1970s, and as an influential writer on art and photography. He studied at St Martin’s School of Art and although he did not complete his course, he developed the art knowledge and critical faculties...