Episode No. 39 of The Modern Art Notes Podcast features critic Sebastian Smee and curator Michael Auping talking about Lucian Freud.

Smee joined the Boston Globe as its art critic after working as the art critic for The Australian, in Sydney, and before that at the Daily Telegraph in London. The Globe has just published ane-book of Smee’s regular “Frame by Frame” pieces, which spotlight artworks in New England Museum collections. Smee has also written several books about the British painter Lucian Freud, whom he came to know quite well when he was living in London.

Auping helped organize the exhibition “Lucian Freud: Portraits” which debuted at the National Portrait Gallery in London and which is now on view at MAMFW through October 28. The excellent exhibition catalogue includes an essay by Auping as well as an Auping-conducted Q&A with the artist. Auping’s interviews with Freud turned out to be the last of his life.

Air date: Aug. 2, 2012.