The subject of Lucian Freud’s iconic painting, Sleeping by the Lion Carpet, is about to become a millionaire, with the work expected to fetch up to £35 million at auction. And she’s not afraid to talk about it, saying, “It shows that big girls can do well.”
The painting, one of Freud’s defining masterpieces, will go up for sale for the first time as part of The Lewis Collection from Sotheby’s in June. The subject, who wishes to remain anonymous, hopes that the sale will demonstrate that women can achieve success, regardless of their size or background.
The subject’s comments are a nod to a 1960s phrase popularized by a women’s liberation movement, “big girls don’t cry.” However, she’s put her own twist on it, saying that success and wealth shouldn’t be seen as shameful or embarrassing.
A Masterpiece with a Complicated History
The painting itself has a complex history, having been created in the 1990s when Freud was at the height of his career. It’s a portrait of a woman, often described as unflinchingly honest, who is shown reclining on a lion-print carpet. The painting is known for its intense scrutiny of the subject, with some critics praising its raw emotional power and others finding it uncomfortable to look at.
The woman in the painting is not identified, but her identity has become a matter of public speculation. She’s been described as a friend of Freud’s, who sat for the portrait in exchange for a reduced fee. Others have speculated that she may be a model or an art world insider, but her true identity remains a mystery.
What this means
The sale of Sleeping by the Lion Carpet is expected to be a major event in the art world, with many collectors and buyers eagerly awaiting the opportunity to acquire a piece by one of the 20th century’s most respected artists. The subject’s comments about the painting’s sale are a reminder that art is not just about beauty or technical skill, but also about the stories and histories that surround it.
