Frank Auerbach, born in Berlin, Germany, is a prominent British painter known for his distinctive style characterised by thick impasto and expressive brushwork. He is considered one of the leading figurative artists of the 20th century, renowned for his powerful and evocative portraits and cityscapes.

Auerbach's early life was marked by upheaval, as he fled Nazi Germany with his parents in 1939, eventually settling in England. He studied at St Martin's School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art in London, where he honed his skills and developed his unique artistic vision.

Throughout his career, Auerbach has been deeply influenced by the works of Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Velázquez, as well as modern painters like Édouard Manet and Vincent van Gogh. His paintings often depict intimate portraits of friends, family, and fellow artists, capturing their essence with raw intensity and emotional depth.

Auerbach's approach to painting is highly tactile and experimental, with layers of thick paint applied and scraped away repeatedly to reveal the underlying forms. This process results in richly textured surfaces that pulsate with energy and emotion, reflecting the artist's intense engagement with his subjects and surroundings.

One of Auerbach's most celebrated series focuses on the urban landscape of London, particularly the streets and buildings of Camden Town, where he has lived and worked for much of his life. These cityscapes, painted with bold colours and frenetic brushstrokes, convey a visceral sense of movement and vitality, capturing the essence of the bustling metropolis.

Over the years, Auerbach has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the art world, including the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 1986. His work is held in major museums and collections worldwide, and he continues to paint prolifically, pushing the boundaries of figurative art and inspiring generations of artists with his fearless approach to painting.