ᐅ Figures with Still Life (from The Blue Guitar) by David Hockney | Print

Artwork information

Technique

Etching and drypoint in colors on paper

Date

1976 - 1977

Dimensions

52.4 cm x 45.5 cm

Signature

Signed lower right

Proof(s) of authenticity

Scottish Arts Council (S.A.C.) 208 ; Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (M.C.A.T.) 187

State of conservation

Very good overall condition. Clean sheet, fresh impression, and sound margins. No major issues visible (tear, crease, or significant alteration).

Framing

Yes

Location

Ile-de-France, France

Description

David Hockney (b. 1937)
Figures with Still Life (from The Blue Guitar), plate 10
Date of creation: 1976–1977 (published in 1977)
Medium: Etching and drypoint in colors, on Inveresk mould-made paper, from the portfolio The Blue Guitar
Edition: 143/200, signed in pencil and numbered
Publisher: Petersburg Press (London & New York)
Printer: Petersburg Press — Maurice Payne

Dimensions:
Plate: 42.5 × 34.6 cm
Sheet: 52.4 × 45.5 cm

With Figures with Still Life (The Blue Guitar, plate 10), David Hockney created one of the most compelling and intellectually rich images in his printed oeuvre. Published by Petersburg Press in 1977, The Blue Guitar has become an iconic suite because it captures a rare gesture: bringing painting, poetry, and art history into conversation within a single print—Wallace Stevens in the background, Picasso on the horizon, and Hockney as the conductor, transforming this lineage into an immediately contemporary visual language.

Here, everything unfolds through the tension of forms: a more constructed, almost architectural figure confronts a freer, more organic presence, while a stripped-down still life (plate, bottle, glass) serves as a neutral stage—common ground where visual languages test and measure themselves. The result is quintessential Hockney: an image that feels simple at first glance—elegant, graphic, luminous—yet reveals, over time, a deeper meditation on how images are made and how an artist reinvents his influences.

This work is offered in a beautiful silver-toned metal frame.

Public collections:
Impressions of this print—and more broadly of The Blue Guitar suite—are held in major public institutions, including The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York; the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH); the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; as well as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT).

Provenance

Private collection, France (current).
Acquired at public auction: Saint Paul Auction, 20th-Century Arts sale, 11 May 2025, lot 22.
Former private collection, United Kingdom; framing executed in London (John Jones Frames Ltd workshop, "Conservation Framing", workshop label on the reverse).

Bibliography

- Scottish Arts Council (S.A.C.): 208
- Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (M.C.A.T.): 187
- David Hockney Prints 1954–77, Petersburg Press (for the Midland Art Group & the Scottish Arts Council), 1979.
- David Hockney: Catalogue Raisonné of the Prints 1954–1995, Museum of Contemporary Art (Tokyo), 1996.
- The Blue Guitar, portfolio published by Petersburg Press, 1977 (edition details and description of the suite).
- Baitel, Shai (ed.), David Hockney: Paper Trails, exh. cat., Modern Art Museum (MAM) Shanghai, Skira, 2024 — Figures with Still Life (from The Blue Guitar) reproduced (p. 85).

The artist

Painter

Drawer

David Hockney

Famous artist

Painter

Drawer

Born in 1937

United Kingdom

Bio

David Hockney, born on July 9, 1937, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary art. His remarkable artistic career has been marked by decades of innovation, creativity, and a passionate pursuit of artistic exploration, establishing him as a pillar of the modern art world.

From a young age, David Hockney displayed an extraordinary gift for art, a talent he nurtured throughout his life. He studied at the Bradford School of Art before continuing his education at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London. It was there that his unique style began to take shape, heralding the start of an artistic career that would leave an indelible mark.

In the early 1960s, David Hockney began making a name for himself with groundbreaking works. He quickly became known for his ability to push artistic boundaries, notably with works such as A Bigger Splash (1967), which captured the essence of the sunny California where he had taken up residence. This period, marked by the sunny California lifestyle, inspired a series of iconic works celebrating poolside living and the vibrancy of urban life.

Hockney is celebrated for his revolution in the use of color, light, and perspective, creating paintings that seem to pulse with energy. He also experimented with various artistic mediums, from acrylic and watercolor painting to collage and pencil drawings.

Beyond his pictorial work, David Hockney also ventured into the world of digital technology, becoming a pioneer in the use of the iPad and other digital tools for art creation. His digital creations pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, showcasing his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his creative genius.

In addition to his prolific artistic career, Hockney became a mentor for many aspiring artists. His writings and lectures shared his wisdom and perspective on art, helping guide and inspire the next generation of artists.

The impact of David Hockney on the world of contemporary art is undeniable, with his works present in countless public and private collections worldwide. He is more than an artist; he is an inspiration for those who seek to push the boundaries of creativity and celebrate the beauty of the world around us. His career brilliantly illustrates the notion that art is an endless journey of exploration and expression.