Name: The Boy Hidden In An Egg
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (233 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney’s The Boy Hidden In An Egg (signed) is estimated to be worth between £3,800 and £5,500. This etching, created in 1969, is a rare artwork with an auction history of two sales since its entry to the market in June 2017. The last 12 months have seen no sales, and there have been no sales in the last five years. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

Auction Date

Auction House

Location

Hammer Price

Return to Seller

Buyer Paid

June 2019

Forum Auctions London

United Kingdom

June 2017

Galerie Kornfeld

Germany

Meaning & Analysis

A raven stands in the shadow of a large speckled egg, its translucent shell revealing a boy sitting inside, his arms folded around his legs looking like a bored teenager. This is the protagonist of 'The Little Sea Hare', a story collected by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by David Hockney as part of his 1969 portfolio dedicated to six classic fairy tales. In the story, a princess lives in a tower; many men wish to be her suitor but she will only pick someone whom she cannot see from one of the many windows in her tower. While out hunting one day the boy chooses to spare a raven, in return the bird offers to hide him from her sight in his egg, however he is soon spotted by the princess. He then spares a fish who swallows him whole but is caught out by the princess again. He eventually is turned into the ‘Little Sea Hare' of the fable’s title and wins her affections. As well as being a delightful subject, the scene of the boy in the egg allows Hockney to demonstrate his mastery of the medium of etching as he presents us with the figure of the boy behind a shell of black ink.

British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.