Celia Elegant
Signed Print

One of seven portraits of textile designer Celia Birtwell in the Gemini G.E.L 1979 Portfolio, this signed lithograph is a beautiful example of Hockney’s mastery of the medium. Rendered in loose brushstrokes Birtwell’s figure strikes a rich contrast to some of the more austere line drawings that characterise some of the other portraits in the series and the earlier Gemini portfolio. Just as Hockney’s portraits of Ann recall Degas’ series of women at their toilet or Velasquez’s use of a mirror in the Rokeby Venus, here we see Hockney turning to the lineage of the history of art once again as he switches styles to produce a portrait that references the work of Matisse. While the series also features portraits of Ann Upton, Celia’s children and Jerry Sohn, Celia is undoubtedly placed at centre stage. Speaking of his love for Celia as both friend and subject Hockney has said, “Celia has a beautiful face, a very rare face with lots of things in it which appeal to me. It shows aspects of her, like her intuitive knowledge and her kindness, which I think is the greatest virtue. To me she’s such a special person.”