A Rake's Progress (complete set)
A Rake's Progress (complete set)
Signed Print
David Hockney
£200,000-£310,000
$400,000-$610,000 Value Indicator
$360,000-$550,000 Value Indicator
¥1,850,000-¥2,870,000 Value Indicator
€240,000-€370,000 Value Indicator
$1,990,000-$3,080,000 Value Indicator
¥38,310,000-¥59,390,000 Value Indicator
$260,000-$400,000 Value Indicator
AAGR (5 years) This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.
There aren't enough data points on this work for a comprehensive result. Please speak to a specialist by making an enquiry.
Medium: Etching
Edition size: 50
Year: 1963
Size: H 49cm x W 61cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Location | Hammer Price | Return to Seller | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Phillips London | United Kingdom | |||
| April 2023 | Christie's New York | United States | |||
| October 2005 | Bonhams New Bond Street | United Kingdom | |||
| June 2004 | Christie's London | United Kingdom |
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 Executed in black and red on Crisbrook Royal Hotpress paper, these prints blend autobiographical elements with historical references, marking a pivotal moment in Hockney's early career as he explored themes of identity and cultural displacement.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.
