The $30 million toe in the water

Sue Tilley, a muse of the renowned British painter Lucian Freud , reflects on her enduring connection to his art as one of his most celebrated portraits, 'Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,' prepares for auction at Sotheby's.

Painted in 1996, this monumental nude-part of a series of four large-scale depictions of Tilley-stands as a masterpiece of modern portraiture and is expected to fetch between 25 million and 35 million pounds.

From Taboo to Sotheby's

Tilley, now 69, has never profited financially from the paintings, yet she expresses no regrets, emphasizing how the experience transformed her life and introduced her into the rarefied world of international art.

Her association with Freud began through mutual friend Leigh Bowery,the influential Australian performance artist who also modeled for the painter.

A glimpse into Freud's studio

Tilley recalls the ritual of sittings at Freud's London studio-long hours filled with tea, conversation, and a substantial lunch-each painting taking months to complete.

While the poses sometimes grew uncomfortable,she notes that 'Sleeping by the Lion Carpet' was among the more tolerable because she was seated upright.

Freud's technique and legacy

Freud, grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, was famous for his uncompromising yet intimate portrayals of friends, family, and even Queen Elizabeth II.

His technique involved building up layers of oil paint to render the unique texture and tone of his subjects' skin.

Open questions

Will the painting fetch its estimated price of between 25 million and 35 million pounds?

Who will be the lucky buyer of this masterpiece?

What will be the impact of this sale on the art market?

Broader context

The sale of 'Sleeping by the Lion Carpet' underscores the continued soaring market for Lucian Freud's art.

Freud's works, especially the late nudes,are celebrated for their psychological depth and visceral realism.

The upcoming sale of 'Sleeping by the Lion Carpet' offers a personal glimpse into the human stories behind these commanding canvases .