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Harlequin from Parade

David Hockney

Harlequin from Parade

1981

Offset lithograph in colors, created for the Metropolitan Opera House, New York

29 × 22 cm

Ed. — (not part of a numbered edition)

Location: Paris, France

https://www.artransfer.com/web/image/product.template/28653/image_1920?unique=3db916c

4,540 € 4540.0 EUR 4,540 €

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About the artwork

This vibrant offset lithograph was created by David Hockney as part of his celebrated collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Produced in 1981 for the production Parade, the work demonstrates Hockney’s mastery of theatrical imagery—bold colors, whimsical figures, and a sense of movement that bridges painting, stage design, and illustration. Rendered in Hockney’s unmistakable palette, the harlequin figure stands at the crossroads of fantasy and performance. The piece captures the theatrical intensity and playful spirit that defined Hockney’s scenographic projects of the early 1980s. Although not part of a numbered edition, each signed example carries significant appeal, as Hockney’s posters and opera-related graphics have become highly collectible, especially those connected to Parade, one of his most iconic productions. As an original signed lithograph, the work offers an accessible entry into Hockney’s oeuvre while reflecting a key moment in his interdisciplinary career.

Expert opinion

Hockney’s works related to opera and stage design have gained increasing recognition among collectors, as they represent a fascinating chapter of his career where painting, performance, and design converge. Harlequin from Parade is particularly desirable because it comes from one of Hockney’s most acclaimed theatrical projects, and signed posters from this period are not common on the market. Offset lithographs from Parade display Hockney’s mastery of color and composition in a more playful register compared to his portraits or landscapes, making them appealing to both established collectors and newcomers. The signature adds considerable value, transforming what was originally a promotional artwork into a collectible fine-art piece.

About the artist

David Hockney is an English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer. He was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, in 1937 and studied at the Bradford School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. He emerged as a significant figure in the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, though his work often transcended strict categorization. Hockney moved to California in the mid-1960s, a period that profoundly influenced his subject matter, leading to his iconic series of swimming pools, portraits, and landscapes of Los Angeles. His career has been marked by a continuous exploration of various media and techniques, including photography, collage, and digital drawing. Key works include "A Bigger Splash" (1967), his portrait series such as "Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy" (1970-71), and his later large-scale landscape paintings of Yorkshire. He has exhibited extensively worldwide, with major retrospectives at institutions such as the Tate Gallery, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Centre Pompidou.

Additional info

Framed 3x

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