A remarkable piece of art history is poised to captivate the auction world, as Lucian Freud’s last portrait of benefits supervisor Sue Tilley is estimated to reach a staggering £35 million when it goes under the hammer at Sotheby’s in June. Tilley, who has been immortalised in Freud’s works since the early 1990s, reflects on her journey from model to muse, revealing the complexities of her relationship with the famed artist and the broader implications of body positivity.
A Portrait Worth Millions
The painting, titled *Sleeping by the Lion Carpet*, was completed between 1995 and 1996 and is hailed as one of Freud’s seminal works. Art critic Martin Gayford has described it as “the most important [work] that Freud has ever painted.” The portrait features Tilley reclining naked on a leather sofa, encapsulating both intimacy and vulnerability. Tilley, who posed for Freud three times a week over nine months, expressed her astonishment at the painting’s valuation, quipping on BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme, “I think I must be worth about £100m with the four paintings and all the etchings, and I think, ‘How can that be possible when I’ve never got any money myself?’”
The Joys and Trials of Posing
Reflecting on her time spent with Freud, Tilley described the experience as “very pleasurable.” She fondly recalled the luxury of being pampered with exquisite food and the opportunity to engage with one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. “What could be better?” she mused. Yet, even in this environment of creative collaboration, Tilley faced the reality of her financial situation. She was paid merely £33 a day for her modelling, a stark contrast to the immense value placed on the works that emerged from those sessions.
Despite the adoration for Freud’s artistry, Tilley noted the disconnect between her identity and the perceptions of the public. When visiting the National Portrait Gallery to see Freud’s depictions of her, she found that many failed to recognise her, attributing this to her now grey hair. “I feel like I’m an example for big women to show themselves off,” she asserted, emphasising the importance of representation in art.
An Artist’s Legacy
Tilley, affectionately known as “Big Sue,” has transitioned from being a muse to an accomplished artist and writer. Initially introduced to Freud through their mutual friend, fashion designer Leigh Bowery, she became part of a series of four significant canvases that have come to define her image in the art world. The upcoming auction at Sotheby’s, part of their London Modern and Contemporary Sales, will showcase *Sleeping by the Lion Carpet* alongside other notable pieces, with estimates placing its value between £25 million and £35 million.
Freud’s previous work, *Benefits Supervisor Resting*, broke records in 2015 when it sold for £35.9 million, making Tilley a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the value of art and the often-unrecognised contributions of its subjects. While Tilley cherishes the memories of working with Freud, she also acknowledges the complexities of their relationship, recalling moments of both camaraderie and tension.
The Weight of Representation
As Tilley prepares for the auction, her story resonates far beyond the confines of the art world. Her journey underscores a vital conversation about body image and the significance of diverse representation in media and art. “If everyone looked the same, it’d be boring, wouldn’t it?” she remarked, celebrating individuality and the narratives that come with it.
Why it Matters
Tilley’s narrative is not just about a painting that may fetch millions; it is a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked lives behind the art. As society grapples with issues of representation and body positivity, her experiences illuminate the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms. The auction of *Sleeping by the Lion Carpet* is set to not only highlight Lucian Freud’s artistic legacy but also to challenge perceptions of beauty, value, and the stories we tell through art.