Name: The Princess In Her Tower
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (236 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney’s The Princess In Her Tower (signed) is estimated to be worth between £4,050 and £6,000. This etching, created in 1969, has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 9%. This work has an impressive auction history, having been sold 6 times since its initial sale on 8th December 2010. The most recent sale occurred in the last 12 months, with the average selling price being £5,000. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

Meaning & Analysis

The Princess In Her Tower is a 1969 etching by David Hockney, depicting a solitary princess in a tower who appears abnormally large in comparison to her surroundings. Part of Hockney's Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm series, this limited edition of 100 prints is executed on Hodgkinson handmade paper. The artwork showcases Hockney's exploration of narrative through visual art, rendered with fine, precise lines.

The Princess In Her Tower exemplifies Hockney's skill in combining storytelling and printmaking. The etching portrays a princess isolated in a tower, a common motif in fairy tales, which Hockney reimagines with meticulous detail. The artwork's composition emphasises the figure's solitude through stark contrasts created by fine lines and careful shading.

This print is based on The Little Sea Hare, one of the lesser-known Grimm's fairy tales. Hockney's interpretation focuses on the princess's confinement, reflecting themes of isolation and longing present in the original story. The artist's choice to depict this particular moment in the narrative demonstrates his interest in exploring complex emotions through seemingly simple scenes.

Within the Six Fairy Tales series, The Princess In Her Tower stands out for its detailed architectural elements and the subtle expression of the central figure. This attention to detail reflects Hockney's broader interest in spatial representation and human emotion, themes he continued to explore throughout his career in various mediums.

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.