Lucian Freud was a figurative painter known for his detailed portraits that explored the human form and themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and mortality. Recognized as one of the foremost portrait artists, Freud paid particular attention to capturing the emotional states of his subjects.

In 1944, Lucian Freud executed the watercolor, Dead Bird on a Bamboo Table. This piece was created around the time of Freud's first solo exhibition at the Lefevre Gallery, where he showcased several drawings of birds. The work exemplifies Freud's early fascination with animal subjects, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail and the influence of naturalist traditions in his oeuvre.