Beschreibung:

David Hockney (Bradford 1937) a) Two Boys Aged 23 or 24 Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.l. Etching and aquatint, 35.5 x 23 cm (image size) / 40.4 x 26.5 cm (sheet size) b) He Enquired After the Quality Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.l. Etching and aquatint, 35.5 x 22.3 cm (image size) / 45.6 x 32.2 cm (sheet size) c) According to Prescriptions of Ancient Magicians Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.l. Etching, 35.2 x 22.4 cm (image size) / 40.6 x 27.4 cm (sheet size) d) In an Old Book Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 43/75 l.l. Etching, 35.2 x 22.7 cm (image size) / 41.8 x 27.8 cm (sheet size) e) The Shop Window of a Tobacco Store Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.l. Etching and aquatint, 35.5 x 23 cm (image size) / 46 x 32.7 cm (sheet size) f) In the Dull Village Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 28/75 l.l. Etching, 35.2 x 22.7 cm (image size) / 41.9 x 28.4 cm (sheet size) g) The Beginning Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.l. Etching and aquatint, 35.5 x 22.7 cm (image size) / 41.2 x 28.1 cm (sheet size) h) In Despair Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.l. Etching, 35 x 22.4 cm (image size) / 40.9 x 28.2 cm (sheet size) i) Beautiful and White Flowers Signed and dated '66 l.r. Numbered 24/75 l.o. Etching and aquatint, 35.5 x 22.7 cm (image size) / 45.6 x 32.8 cm (sheet size) N.B.: The etchings offered here are an hommage by David Hockney to the Greek poet C.P. Cavafy (1863-1933). Hockney made this series as an illustration of his poems in 1966. At first glance the artist and the poet form an unlikely pair; Hockney is known for his whimsical and often daring depictions, while Cavafy is remembered as a quiet and introvert writer. Cavafy however was one of the first early-modern poets that openly wrote about homosexuality. Late nineteen fifties the artist, himself a homosexual, discovered these poems in his local library. Hockney so much admired the poet that he decided to steal the only copy from the library. The etchings do not serve as a literal illustration, but illustrate the sensuality and eroticism Cavafy had to hide in his daily life and in his poems. The lyrical etchings show young men in secretive settings, under the sheets, in bed or rather with a provocative glance at the viewer. C.P. Cavafy - In an Old Book The young man depicted there Was not destined for those Who love in ways that are more or less healthy, Inside the bounds of what is clearly permissible - With his deep chestnut eyes, The rare beauty of his face, The beauty of anomalous charm, With those ideal lips that bring Sensual delight to the body loved, Those ideal limbs shaped for beds That common morality calls shameless. (9x) Six illustrated