A Rake's Progress (complete set)
A Rake's Progress (complete set)
Signed Print
David Hockney
£180,000-£270,000Value Indicator
$370,000-$560,000 Value Indicator
$330,000-$500,000 Value Indicator
¥1,760,000-¥2,640,000 Value Indicator
€210,000-€310,000 Value Indicator
$1,930,000-$2,890,000 Value Indicator
¥35,420,000-¥53,130,000 Value Indicator
$250,000-$370,000 Value Indicator
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49 x 61cm, Edition of 50, Etching
Medium: Etching
Edition size: 50
Year: 1963
Size: H 49cm x W 61cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
Last Auction: September 2024
Value Trend:
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Meaning & Analysis
A Rake's Progress (complete set) by David Hockney is a series of sixteen etchings with aquatint, created between 1961 and 1963. This significant work reinterprets William Hogarth's 18th-century narrative, transposing it to 1960s New York City. Executed in black and red on Crisbrook Royal Hotpress paper, these prints blend autobiographical elements with historical references, marking a pivotal moment in Hockney's early career as he explored themes of identity and cultural displacement.
Hockney's A Rake's Progress (complete set) offers a penetrating visual and narrative exploration of a young man's experiences in New York City. The etchings, executed with precise control of line and tone, create a stark yet dynamic visual effect that captures the energy and alienation of urban life. Hockney's innovative use of aquatint adds depth and texture, creating a rich interplay between the black and red hues that dominate the series.
The artist's reimagining of Hogarth's cautionary tale is both personal and universal. Each print is meticulously crafted to convey moments of humour, introspection, and cultural critique. Hockney's protagonist, a thinly veiled self-portrait, navigates a city that is simultaneously alluring and overwhelming. The series progresses from initial wonder to disillusionment, mirroring Hockney's own journey as a young, gay artist in America.
Technically, the prints showcase Hockney's growing proficiency with the etching medium. His use of varied line weights and experimental aquatint techniques creates a visual language that is both accessible and nuanced. The deliberate limited colour palette serves to heighten the emotional impact of each scene.
British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.
