A nude portrait of Sue Tilley, painted by Lucian Freud, has been sold for $39 million. The artwork, titled “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,” is one of four Freud created featuring Tilley. Tilley, who served as a muse for the artist, has spoken publicly about the sale and the experience of being depicted in the painting. The auction price underscores the continued high demand for Freud’s work, particularly his portraits. “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet” is considered a significant piece within Freud’s oeuvre, known for its unflinching realism and intimate portrayal of the subject. The sale highlights the intersection of art, celebrity, and the art market. Tilley’s reaction to the painting’s value has been a subject of media attention.