Jenny Saville is a contemporary British painter, celebrated for her monumental and unflinching depictions of the human form. Born on May 7, 1970, in Cambridge, England, Saville has been credited with reinventing figure painting for the modern era. Her work is characterized by its raw, visceral portrayal of flesh, often on a grand scale, and her ability to challenge conventional standards of beauty and the representation of the female body in art. Saville's parents, both educators, fostered a supportive environment that nurtured her artistic inclinations from a young age. Her childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to her father's career as a school administrator. This nomadic lifestyle, however, did not deter her from pursuing her passion for art. She was given a broom cupboard that served as her first studio, a private space where she could immerse herself in her creative pursuits. Her uncle, an art historian, played a significant role in her early development as an artist. He introduced her to the works of Old Masters during a trip to Venice and encouraged her to observe and draw from life, instilling in her the belief that great art is an integral part of everyday existence. This early exposure to the grandeur of art history and the discipline of observation would later inform her approach to painting. Saville attended the Glasgow School of Art from 1988 to 1992, where she received a rigorous education that emphasized the importance of life drawing. The institution's emphasis on traditional skills provided her with a solid foundation, which she later built upon with her unique vision. During her time at Glasgow, she was awarded a six-month scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, where she was exposed to gender political ideas and feminist theory, further shaping her artistic voice. Upon completing her education, Saville's work caught the attention of the prominent British art collector Charles Saatchi. He purchased her paintings from her degree show and subsequently offered her an 18-month contract, providing her with the financial support to create new works for exhibition at his gallery in London. This partnership propelled Saville into the limelight and positioned her as a key figure within the Young British Artists (YBA) movement of the 1990s. Saville's early works, such as "Plan" (1993) and "Propped" (1992), were characterized by their exploration of the female form, often depicted in a distorted and exaggerated manner. These paintings challenged the viewer's perceptions of beauty and the body, confronting societal norms and expectations. "Propped," in particular, garnered significant attention for its incorporation of text from French feminist Luce Irigaray, reflecting on the interaction between men and women. Throughout her career, Saville has continued to push the boundaries of figurative painting. Her technique involves the application of thick layers of oil paint, creating a tactile and dynamic surface that mirrors the complexity of human flesh. Her color palette, often muted and atmospheric, adds to the emotional depth of her work. In the early 2000s, Saville began a collaboration with fashion photographer Glen Luchford, resulting in a series of large Polaroids that presented her body in new and challenging ways. This project, titled "Closed Contact," further explored themes of identity, gender, and the perception of the self. More recently, Saville has expanded her practice to include drawings and pastels, experimenting with layering and the interplay between figuration and abstraction. Her work continues to evolve, reflecting her ongoing fascination with the body and its representation in contemporary culture. Saville's contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous exhibitions at prestigious institutions worldwide. Her works are held in major public and private collections, and she has been the subject of critical acclaim and scholarly analysis. As an artist, Saville remains committed to the exploration of the human condition through the medium of painting, offering a profound and unapologetic vision of modern life and bodies.

Jenny Saville Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749