Sue Tilley, Lucian Freud's muse: 'That I'm worth millions seems very strange'

Sue Tilley, the iconic muse of the late British painter Lucian Freud, shared her reflections on posing for the artist ahead of a major auction of his work. Tilley, who worked as a research assistant in the 1990s when Freud sought her out, described her experience as often feeling like an observer of her own image on canvas.

Freud, the grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, famously captured the human form, and Tilley's distinctive presence was a subject for him on four occasions. The artist was known for his intense focus on flesh and realism, drawing comparisons to masters like Rubens and Francis Bacon.

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I know it's me on the canvas, but I sometimes have the astonishing impression that it's not me.

Tilley's image has proven immensely valuable in the art market. Paintings of her have achieved remarkable sums at auction, including a sale for $33.6 million in 2008 and another for $56.2 million in 2015. These figures underscore the enduring demand for Freud's work and the significance of his muses.

Currently, a key piece from the collection of businessman Joe Lewis, titled 'Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,' is scheduled for auction at Sotheby's in London on Wednesday, June 24. This significant work by Freud, featuring Tilley, is estimated to fetch up to 40 million euros, highlighting the continued high stakes in the art world for works by masters like Freud.

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