Peter Schlesinger (sepia)
Peter Schlesinger (sepia)
Signed Print
David Hockney
£3,450-£5,000
$7,000-$10,500 Value Indicator
$6,500-$9,500 Value Indicator
¥35,000-¥50,000 Value Indicator
€3,950-€6,000 Value Indicator
$35,000-$50,000 Value Indicator
¥690,000-¥990,000 Value Indicator
$4,650-$7,000 Value Indicator
There aren't enough data points on this work for a comprehensive result. Please speak to a specialist by making an enquiry.
40 x 30cm, Edition of 90, Lithograph
Auction Results
Track auction value trend
Meaning & Analysis
Peter Schlesinger (sepia) is a 1976 lithograph by David Hockney. This artwork portrays Peter Schlesinger, Hockney's former partner and muse, in a detailed sepia-toned portrait. Created on Arches Cover paper, this piece is part of a limited edition of 90. The lithograph represents a period in Hockney's career when he focused intensely on portraiture, exploring the visual representation of his close personal relationships through this medium.
In Peter Schlesinger (sepia), Hockney employs lithography to create a nuanced portrait of his former partner. The sepia tones evoke a sense of memory, reflecting the artist's recollection of their relationship. Hockney's precise line work and subtle gradations of tone create a lifelike representation, with particular attention paid to Schlesinger's eyes and facial features. The background, though minimal, adds depth to the composition through carefully placed shadows.
The portrait's composition, featuring Schlesinger's direct gaze, demonstrates Hockney's ability to convey personal connection through his art. Hockney utilised a combination of crayon and tusche (liquid lithographic ink) on the limestone printing surface to achieve varying textures and tonal qualities. This technique allowed him to capture the subtleties of Schlesinger's features and create a sense of dimensionality within the monochromatic palette.
The artwork is part of Hockney's broader examination of personal connections in the 1970s, a period when he produced numerous portraits of friends and acquaintances. It exemplifies Hockney's approach to portraiture during this time, characterised by its blend of technical precision in lithography and focus on capturing the essence of his subjects.