A David Hockney pen-and-ink sketch of his long-time lover, Peter Schlesinger, is set to hit the market in a provincial auction house in the UK for the first time.
The piece will be auctioned at Parker Fine Art in a sale of Fine Paintings and Frames on May 9, 2024, in Farnham, Surrey. The sketch was gifted by the artist to Dr. Brian Sack, Hockney’s former dentist, who has held onto it since. The piece, inscribed ‘Powis Terr’ and dated ‘Sept 1967,’ measures 19.5″ x 12.25″ and is expected to fetch between £30,000-40,000. Henny Smith, Director of Parker Fine Art, noted that the sketch is a product of Hockney’s long affair with Schlesinger, which began when the artist met the 18-year-old student during a summer class at the University of California in Los Angeles. Schlesinger later went on to pursue his own career as a visual artist.
Along with the sketch, Parker Fine Art will also auction a miniature book of etchings called “Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm” signed by Hockney as Grimm, which is estimated to sell for £500-800.
Peter Schlesinger, an accomplished artist and photographer, was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 1, 1948. He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he developed a keen interest in art and sculpture. In the late 1960s, Schlesinger moved to London to pursue further studies at the Slade School of Fine Art, immersing himself in the vibrant cultural scene of the era.
During his time in London, Schlesinger became a pivotal figure in art and fashion, rubbing shoulders with luminaries such as David Hockney, Cecil Beaton, and Paloma Picasso. He collaborated extensively with Hockney on various artistic projects, leaving an indelible mark on Hockney’s work and legacy.
Schlesinger’s artistic style is a testament to his versatility and depth of creativity. He blends classical aesthetics with modern sensibilities. His work traverses various mediums, including sculpture, painting, and photography, showcasing a multifaceted artistic talent that defies categorisation.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Schlesinger made a name for himself as a talented photographer. He captured intimate moments and candid portraits of his friends and acquaintances. His photography offers a glimpse into the vibrant social scene of the 1960s and 1970s, documenting the time’s creative energy and cultural zeitgeist.
Over the years, Schlesinger’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, earning acclaim for its distinctive style and artistic vision. He continues to create art and photography.
David Hockney is a seminal figure in contemporary art. He is renowned for his bold and innovative contributions to the artistic landscape. Born in Bradford, England, in 1937, Hockney’s journey to artistic prominence began at the Royal College of Art in London, where he honed his skills and developed a distinctive creative style.
Hockney’s early works, characterised by their vibrant colours, explore nature, landscape and figurative themes such as LGBTQ+ identity. He garnered critical acclaim and established himself as a leading figure in the pop art movement of the 1960s. His iconic paintings, such as “A Bigger Splash” and “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures),” exemplify his ability to capture the essence of modern life with a unique blend of realism and abstraction.
Throughout his career, Hockney’s artistic practice has continued to evolve, encompassing a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, photography, and digital art. His experimentation with new technologies, such as the iPad, has cemented his reputation as an innovator in the digital age.
Beyond his artistic endeavours, Hockney’s personal life and experiences have also left an indelible mark on his work. His exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time reflects his journey through life and has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Today, David Hockney is one of his generation’s most influential and celebrated artists, and his work is exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide.
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