A Black Cat Leaping
A Black Cat Leaping
Signed Print
David Hockney
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48 x 32cm, Edition of 100, Etching
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Meaning & Analysis
Belonging to one of David Hockney’s most famous series of prints, Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm, A Black Cat Leaping is a signed etching by the artist, produced in an edition of 100.
A boy sits in profile, his hands calmly placed together as if in a gesture of welcome, while a wild black cat springs towards him. The background is cross hatched, the pair’s shadows scribbled in. Detail is reserved for the texture of the wildcat’s fur, the curls on the boy’s head. He stares directly at his attacker and yet seems blank, or perhaps just fearless. The cat’s eye also seems vacant, giving us the impression that this is a half hearted assault, that there will be no real consequences, and reminding us that all this is born from a fabulation, a folk tale, specifically ‘The Boy Who Left Home to Learn Fear’.
David Hockney’s Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm are among the artist’s best known etchings. Conceived over three years and published in 1969 they showcase the artist’s ingenuity for composition, his charm as a draughtsman and his mastery of the medium of print. The prints were made for a book published by Oxford University Press which began as a print run of 2,000 and eventually sold more than 150,000 copies. Hockney took to the subject of fairy tales straight away; commenting on his love for the fairy tales he said, “They're fascinating, the little stories, told in a very very simple, direct, straightforward language and style, it was this simplicity that attracted me. They cover quite a strange range of experience, from the magical to the moral.”
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.
