Kate Moss and Lila
Painting on canvas • Lucian Freud (1922-2011)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / School of London; specifically Freud's later, smoother style compared to his earlier impasto works.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing chiaroscuro, high-contrast lighting, and soft-focus blending (sfumato-like) for flesh tones.
Creation Period
2002
Dimensions & Format
Originally 34 x 59 inches; landscape format.
Subject Description
A double portrait of the model Kate Moss, then pregnant, resting alongside her young daughter Lila Grace Moss-Hack. The composition is intimate and domestic, focusing on the maternal bond. The figures are bathed in a dramatic light from the left, casting heavy shadows against a dark, indeterminate background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (based on the visual evidence of this contemporary reproduction/digital display).
Estimated Market Value
$5,000,000 to $8,000,000 USD (for the original work)
Auction Estimate
$4,000,000 to $7,000,000 USD (for the original work)
Provenance History
The original was commissioned by Kate Moss; it has since been held in private collections following significant auction sales.
Art Historical Significance
A major late-career work by Lucian Freud, bridging the world of high fashion and fine art. It is significant for its vulnerable portrayal of a global icon (Moss) and reflects Freud's transition to more tender, slightly smoother surface textures in his ninth decade.
Notable Features
The piece is known for its intense psychological depth and the raw, unidealized depiction of the skin, characteristic of Freud's 'naked portraits' even when figures are clothed.
Condition Issues
No visible issues in the provided image; the work appears well-preserved with stable paint layers.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity and temperature; protect from direct UV light to prevent pigment degradation. Use museum-grade non-reflective glass if framed.