Lucian Freud
Painter renowned for intense portraits

Born
December 8th, 1922
102 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2011
13 years ago — 88 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Born in 1922, this painter developed a unique style characterized by exploration of the human figure and psychological depth. Training under various artists, he synthesized influences from Expressionism and the British figurative tradition. Freud’s works often depicted close family and friends, utilizing thick, impasto layers of paint to illuminate their emotional states. The artist's most significant acclaim came with various exhibitions, including a prominent showcase at the Tate Gallery in London. Freud's methodologies emphasized long sitting sessions with his subjects, fostering an environment of intimacy. His painting, 'Benefits Supervisor Sleeping,' fetched a notable price at auction, establishing a record for a living artist at the time. Throughout his career, he faced challenges in the art industry but continued to influence contemporary figurative painting until his passing in 2011.
Painted 'Benefits Supervisor Sleeping'
Held major exhibitions at Tate Gallery
Developed a distinctive portrait style
Other People Born on December 8th
Horatio Walpole
Served as a prominent English politician and diplomat during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Appointed as the British Ambassador to France, played a crucial role in diplomatic relations between Britain and France. His tenure included navigating the complexities of European politics and fostering alliances. Contributed to the British Parliament, influencing legislative discussions and decisions of the time. Held the title of 1st Baron Walpole, reflecting a significant position in the British aristocracy.
Continue ReadingSerena Ryder
This singer-songwriter gained prominence in the Canadian music scene with her fusion of rock and pop. Released multiple successful albums, including 'If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You' and 'Harmony'. Received a Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year in 2014. Achieved widespread recognition through her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, contributing significantly to her popularity across North America.
Continue ReadingReed Johnson
An American baseball player, played Major League Baseball from 2003 to 2014. Primarily a right fielder, contributed to various teams including the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Achieved notable success with the Cubs, being part of the roster during their 2008 National League Central Division championship. Known for a strong defensive ability and a capacity to perform well off the bench.
Continue ReadingKevin Harvick
A prominent race car driver in NASCAR, achieved significant success throughout the career. Competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, making a name with the Richard Childress Racing team. Won the 2007 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Achieved numerous race wins, including victories in the Daytona 500 and multiple Brickyard 400 races. Transitioned to Stewart-Haas Racing, continuing to secure wins and compete at a high level in the series. Recognized for skill in driving and consistent performance over the years.
Continue ReadingJean Sibelius
A composer and violinist, celebrated for contributions to orchestral music, Sibelius created a unique Finnish national sound. Major works include seven symphonies, the violin concerto in D minor, and the tone poem "Finlandia," which reflects Finnish nationalism. Active during a time of growing national identity in Finland, Sibelius's compositions played a role in fostering cultural pride. He studied in Helsinki and later in Germany, where his style evolved.
Continue ReadingRaymond Lam
Born in 1979, this individual rose to prominence as an actor and singer in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Gained fame through participation in various television dramas produced by TVB, such as 'Moonlight Resonance' and 'The Vigilante in the Mask'. Music career featured several albums, with notable songs achieving commercial success. Achieved accolades at the TVB Anniversary Awards, highlighting significant contributions to television.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 20th
Mark Rosenzweig
Contributions focused on animal behavior and brain development. Rosenzweig studied the effects of environmental factors on the brain, notably through experiments with rats. Research demonstrated that enriched environments could enhance cognitive functions and brain plasticity. Served as a professor and continued to share findings through numerous publications and educational efforts within the field of psychology.
Continue ReadingAndrey Markov
This Russian mathematician contributed significantly to probability theory and statistical processes. He introduced Markov chains, a mathematical system that undergoes transitions from one state to another on a state space. This concept has been applied across various fields, including economics, genetics, and computer science. Markov also explored the theory of stochastic processes and earned recognition through publications that influenced the development of modern probability and statistics. His work laid foundational principles for future research and applications in various scientific disciplines.
Continue ReadingSandra Gould
An American actress gained recognition for her work in television, particularly for role in 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'Bewitched'. Made numerous guest appearances in various television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Contributed to the entertainment industry with her performances in different comedic television shows. Had a career spanning several decades, earning a solid reputation for her ability to portray humorous characters.
Continue ReadingChester Bennington
A prominent singer-songwriter and producer, he led the rock band Linkin Park, achieving global success with the album 'Hybrid Theory', which was certified diamond by the RIAA. This album featured hits including 'In the End' and 'Crawling', contributing to the nu-metal genre's mainstream popularity. In addition to his work with Linkin Park, he was also the lead vocalist for the band Dead by Sunrise and briefly performed with Stone Temple Pilots. His contributions to music extended to charitable work, including performances for causes like the Music for Relief foundation.
Continue ReadingJosé Hermano Saraiva
A prominent historian and jurist from Portugal, he served as the Minister of Education, contributing to the educational landscape of the country. Focused on promoting historical knowledge, he hosted various television programs that highlighted Portuguese history, making it accessible to the general public. His efforts in historical documentation and education emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and national identity. His work in academia and media established a lasting connection between history and contemporary society.
Continue ReadingAbdullah I
Became the first king of Transjordan in 1921 and led the country through its early years of statehood. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the modern state of Jordan during a time of regional turmoil. Negotiated with various powers for the economic and political stability of the kingdom. Assassinated in 1951, marking the end of his reign and a significant moment in Jordanian history.
Continue Reading