David Hockney's inaugural English landscape, titled English Garden, is poised for sale at Sotheby's in London on 4 March, following its first public exhibition in almost thirty years. Painted in 1965, this pivotal artwork carries a pre-sale estimate of £2.5 million to £3.5 million, drawing significant attention from art collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A Seminal Work in Hockney's Career
According to Tom Edisson, co-head of contemporary art at Sotheby's in London, English Garden is a seminal painting that laid the groundwork for Hockney's future artistic endeavours. "It really lays the foundations for everything that was to come after," Edisson remarked, highlighting its importance not only in Hockney's personal oeuvre but also within the broader context of art history.
Inspiration from an Unlikely Source
The painting was created during Hockney's six-week teaching stint at the University of Boulder, Colorado, in the summer of 1965. Despite being surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Hockney found himself in a windowless studio, which led him to seek inspiration elsewhere. He stumbled upon a photograph in American Vogue by Horst P Horst, depicting a sculptured topiary garden at Haseley Court in Oxfordshire, the home of designer Nancy Lancaster.
Edisson suggested that this image evoked a sense of nostalgia and homesickness in Hockney, spurring him to paint a scene of England's green and pleasant lands. This moment marked a turning point, as English Garden became Hockney's first fully realised English landscape, created at a time when abstract art dominated the art world.
Historical Significance and Public Display
English Garden was initially exhibited at the Kasmin Gallery in London in 1965 and last appeared in a public gallery during a 1970 show at the Whitechapel Gallery. Since then, it has remained in private hands, with its most recent auction appearance dating back to 1997. The current display at Sotheby's central London galleries offers a rare opportunity for the public to view this historic piece before it goes under the hammer.
Connections to Hockney's Later Works
Edisson noted that English Garden serves as a direct precursor to Hockney's more recent and widely recognised paintings, such as his depictions of the East Yorkshire landscape. While his California pool paintings are iconic, this early work cements the themes and techniques that define Hockney's practice. "It was a real turning point," Edisson emphasised, underscoring how this painting encapsulates the artist's enduring drive and ambition.
Hockney's Ongoing Legacy
At 88 years old, David Hockney continues to be a prolific force in contemporary art. An exhibition of his new works is scheduled to open at the Serpentine Gallery in London in March, following the largest ever Hockney show last year at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. That exhibition featured over 400 works, showcasing the scale of his artistic vision and his relentless innovation.
Edisson concluded by reflecting on Hockney's enduring relevance: "He is constantly challenging himself. He is still at the forefront of contemporary art, and this painting [English Garden] is to me the root of everything that came after." This sale not only highlights a key moment in Hockney's career but also celebrates his lasting impact on the art world.
