Freud in Ireland, Arts

DUBLIN – The grandson of the founder of psychoanalysis who was born in Berlin un 1922 but emigrated to England with his family when Hitler came to power, is considered the greatest living British artist. The Irish Museum of Modern Art presents all of his works, from the forties, with choices that aim at underlining his relationship with Dublin and Eire. From the rooster heads seen on butchers’ stalls in Dublin – Dead Cock’s Head (1951) – to the portrait of a modern businessman – The Donegal Man (2006), representing today’s Ireland, the wealthiest country in Europe – his local interests also include the world of horse races and the popular districts of the capital. There are numerous selfportraits and large nudes, that make up most of his production since the eighties, including in particular Leigh under the skylight (1994 or the recent Irishwoman on a Bed (2004). One cn a take advantage of the trip to Dublin to see the workshop of his contemporary artist, Francis Bacon, recently rebuilt in the superb Hugh Lane Gallery.

Lucian Freud at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin

• until 2 September 2007.