Frank Auerbach, a prominent artist of the 20th century, passed away at the age of 93 at his home in London. Auerbach, who was born in Berlin in 1931, fled Nazi Germany and arrived in England in 1939 as part of the Kindertransport initiative. Sadly, he never saw his parents again, as they perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Despite his tragic past, Auerbach focused on his art, attending art schools in London and dedicating his life to painting. He was known for his distinctive style of thickly layered paint, creating near-abstract landscapes and intense portraits.
Auerbach, along with other post-war artists like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, formed the 'School of London' and remained committed to figurative painting throughout his career. His work gained recognition in the 1970s, with his first retrospective exhibition held in 1978 at London's Hayward Gallery.
Throughout his life, Auerbach continued to paint diligently, spending most of his days in his north London studio. His dedication to his craft paid off, with his paintings commanding high prices in the art market.
In 2023, one of his notable works, 'Mornington Crescent,' sold for a record $7.1 million at Sotheby’s. Auerbach's legacy as an artist is set to endure for generations to come, with his unique voice resonating through his powerful and evocative artworks.
Geoffrey Parton, director of Frankie Rossi Art Projects, expressed the loss of a dear friend and remarkable artist but highlighted that Auerbach's influence will continue to inspire art lovers worldwide. Auerbach is survived by his son, Jacob Auerbach, ensuring that his artistic legacy lives on.
