A Rake's Progress (complete set)
A Rake's Progress (complete set)
Signed Print
David Hockney
£190,000-£290,000
$380,000-$580,000 Value Indicator
$350,000-$530,000 Value Indicator
¥1,790,000-¥2,730,000 Value Indicator
€220,000-€330,000 Value Indicator
$1,970,000-$3,010,000 Value Indicator
¥39,450,000-¥60,220,000 Value Indicator
$250,000-$390,000 Value Indicator
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49 x 61cm, Edition of 50, Etching
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 Executed in black and red on Crisbrook Royal Hotpress paper, these prints blend autobiographical elements with historical references, marking a pivotal moment in Hockney's early career as he explored themes of identity and cultural displacement.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.