David Hockney, Etching is the Subject, 14, The Blue Guitar, 1976-1977

Artist: David Hockney (1937 - )
Title:Etching is the Subject, 14, The Blue Guitar, 1976-1977
Medium:Etching, softground etching, and aquatint on paper
Image Size:13 1/2 in x 16 3/4 in (34.5 cm x 42.5 cm)
Sheet Size:18 1/8 in x 20 3/4 in (46 cm x 53 cm)
Framed Size:21 1/2 in x 24 1/2 in (54.6 cm x 62.2 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 200 in pencil in the lower left.
Signature:This work is hand signed by David Hockney (Bradford 1937-) in pencil in the lower right.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-6415

Historical Description

David Hockney Etching is the Subject, 14, The Blue Guitar, 1976-1977 is a marvelously surreal composition that explores the elements of mark making through playful and mysterious objects. The work is dominated by the energetically red horizontal body of a quill pen at the upper left of the composition. The red echoes through the rest of the piece in the rectangular outline at the right, dynamically framing a linear portrait, and in the weave-like pattern of blue and red shading below. Elements of a room are suggested through the piece: in the simple outline of a curtain, suspended surreally on the floating quill pen; in the rug-like arrangement of color at the bottom right; in the two rectangular frame-like shapes facing us, hinting at the presence of a wall. Yet the piece denies us any clear reading of it, instead presenting more as a cloud of ideas and thoughts, materials and mediums. Hockney’s uniquely exuberant and thought-provoking style is on full display in this beautiful etching.

Created between 1976-1977, Etching is the Subject, 14, The Blue Guitar is an etching and aquatint on paper hand-signed by David Hockney (Bradford 1937-) in pencil in the lower right and numbered from the edition of 200 in pencil in the lower left.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

David Hockney Etching is the Subject, 14, The Blue Guitar, 1976-1977 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, David Hockney Etching is the Subject, 14, The Blue Guitar, 1976-1977 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Music