I had not really registered the drawings by Frank Auerbach but was glad to take the opportunity to visit this exhibition.

There were a few paintings included by way of light relief as the drawings have an intensity which is almost overwhelming. Every area of the paper is addressed repeatedly to the point of occasional destruction. The stressed or missing paper is carefully replaced and re-integrated into the whole.

Marks from drawing pins, presumably used during 'repair' are evident as are the underlying layers of paper as visual incident.

Head of E.O.W. 1959-60
Charcoal and chalk on paper

Head of E.O.W. 1959-60
detail

Head of E.O.W. 1960
Charcoal and chalk on paper

Head of E.O.W. 1960
Charcoal and chalk on paper

Head of E.O.W. 1960
detail

Head of Julia 1960
Charcoal and chalk on paper

Head of Julia 1960
detail

The paintings end up having an almost lightness of touch in that the final surface, while built up considerably, has a pristine finish.

That the 'face' is recognisable seems almost incidental in the shorthand form.

I do have to wonder about the long term implications are, conservation wise, in the depth of paint.

Head of E.O.W. VI 1961
Oil paint on board

Head of E.O.W. VI 1961
detail