Name: Rapunzel Growing In The Garden
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (236 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney’s Rapunzel Growing In The Garden (signed) is estimated to be worth between £2,350 and £3,500. Over the past five years, the hammer price ranges from £1,800 in September 2023 to £4,000 in August 2021. This etching, created in 1969, has shown a consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 5%. This work has an auction history of six total sales since its entry to the market in June 2000. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

Meaning & Analysis

Rapunzel Growing In The Garden is an etching and aquatint created by David Hockney in 1969. This print is part of Hockney's Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm series. The work depicts Rapunzel in a tower, surrounded by a garden setting. It was published by Petersburg Press and printed by The Print Shop, Amsterdam, in an edition of 400 unsigned prints.

Hockney's etching showcases his distinctive approach to storytelling through visual art. The composition centres on Rapunzel gazing from a tower window, with a garden occupying the foreground. Hockney employs fine lines to create intricate details in the foliage and architecture, while the aquatint technique allows for subtle tonal variations, enhancing the depth and atmosphere of the scene.

The Brothers Grimm series, comprising 39 etchings, represents Hockney's exploration of traditional narratives through a contemporary lens. In Rapunzel Growing In The Garden, Hockney captures a moment of anticipation in the fairy tale, focusing on the character's confinement and the lush world beyond her reach.The sparse background and careful use of negative space draw attention to the central figures, a technique Hockney often employed to emphasise key elements in his compositions. This approach creates a sense of isolation that echoes Rapunzel's predicament in the story.

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.