The £25-35 million Portrait: A Measure of Lucian Freud's Genius

Sue Tilley, the subject of Lucian Freud's monumental painting 'Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,' visits the artwork at Sotheby's ahead of its auction. The portrait, estimated to fetch between £25-35 million, is a testament to Freud's skill and Tilley's enduring presence in art history.

Tilley reflects on posing for Freud, their friendship, and the extraordinary value of her image. The painting, created in the 1990s, is one of four portraits that Tilley and Freud worked on together.

A Life of Art and Friendship: Sue Tilley's Story

Tilley's journey from benefits supervisor to immortalized subject of one of the most valuable artworks of the 20th century is a remarkable one. She met Leigh Bowery, a mutual friend and Australian performance artist, while out clubbing. Bowery introduced Tilley to Freud, and the three formed a close bond.

Tilley posed for Freud numerous times, and their friendship extended beyond the studio. They discussed life, gossip, and horse racing, and Tilley even wrote Bowery's biography in 2025.

The Art World's Fascination with Lucian Freud's Portraits

Freud's portraits of Tilley and others have broken records at auction. The 1995 portrait, 'Benefits Supervisor Resting,' sold for $33.6 million in 2008, and the 1994 painting, 'Benefits Supervisor Sleeping,' sold for $56.2 million in 2015.

Freud's interest in staying close to London's avant-garde scene and his desire to capture the essence of his models made his portraits truly unique .

Open Questions: The Value of Art and the Legacy of Lucian Freud

As the painting heads to auction, Tilley reflects on the value of her image and the enduring legacy of Lucian Freud. The sale marks another milestone for Freud's legacy, while Tilley remains grounded, finding humor in the surreal turn of events.

The painting now hangs as a silent witness to the transient fame and enduring art , a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit.