Lucian Freud was a figurative painter known for his detailed portraits that explored the human form and themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and mortality. Recognized as one of the foremost portrait artists, Freud paid particular attention to capturing the emotional states of his subjects. Freud also frequently studied animals, and was especially fond of birds–he even owned two pet hawks that lived in his studio; friends and biographers have said that one would sit on his shoulder as he worked.

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