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Rare Dog Painting by David Hockney Hits the Block
26 Sep
Summary
- One of six Hockney dog paintings from private collection.
- Features Stanley, Hockney's beloved first dachshund, sleeping.
- Estimated to sell for £1.5m-£2.5m at Christie's auction.
David Hockney's "Dog Painting 17," a rare work from his "Dog Series," is being offered for auction by Christie's, marking the first time a piece from this collection has been available to the public. The painting, estimated at £1.5m-£2.5m, depicts Hockney's first dachshund, Stanley, asleep on a cushion. Hockney created over 40 works for this series between 1994 and 1995, reportedly as a source of love and catharsis after experiencing personal loss.
Stanley, named after Stan Laurel, was adopted by Hockney in 1987. The artist's close friends were initially surprised by his decision to get a dog, but soon witnessed his deep affection for Stanley and his later companion, Boodgie. These dachshunds became an integral part of Hockney's social life in his Hollywood Hills home.
Christie's estimates that only six of these dog paintings remain in private ownership, with the majority held by the David Hockney Foundation. The seller acquired "Dog Painting 17" after a highly popular exhibition of the "Dog Series" in Los Angeles. The painting will be displayed free to the public at Christie's in London from October 8th, ahead of its auction on October 14th during Frieze Week.
