- 233
David Hockney
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- David Hockney
- Henry Geldzahler
- oil on cut-out canvas
- 31.5 by 24.5cm.; 12 by 9 5/8 in.
- Executed in 1973.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in 1973
Condition
Colour:
The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the canvas tends more towards a soft cream in the original.
Condition:
This work is in very good condition. Very close inspection reveals some minor discolouration in places to the loose threads, as well as a very faint and unobtrusive spot of discolouration to the figure's forehead. Further extremely close inspection reveals a small number of tiny dust particles adhering to the surface in places.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
David Hockney executed the present work, a mask of his great friend Henry Geldzahler, to wear at a masked ball they attended together in 1973 along with Ossie Clark. Then curator at the Metropolitan Museum, and a few years later Cultural Commissioner of New York City, the witty and eccentric Gelzahler introduced Hockney to the New York art scene. Their friendship was rooted in a mutual passion for and profound knowledge of art - the subject of countless conversations and heated debates. Indeed, some of Hockney’s most intimate portraits are of his great and flamboyant friend. As Hockney recalls: “I realise he asked me to draw him because that’s what he always wanted me to do” (the artist quoted in: Sara Howgate, David Hockney: Portraits, London 2006, p. 226).