1981 Crayon and watercolour on paper

35.6 x 43.3 cm Signed with the artist's initials and dated 'DH. 1981' in the lower right Framed

Accompanied by a gallery Certificate of Authenticity

In 1966, Hockney was invited to produce set designs for Ubu Roi at London’s Royal Court Theatre. Then followed him designing eleven operas over the course of seventeen years, often consisting of brightly coloured sets that clash against each other.

One of his most notable designs were those for the Stravinsky Triple Bill in 1981 commissioned by the Met. Made up of Le Sacre du Printemps, Le Rossignol and Oedipus Rex, the sets had a quick turnaround and were produced ready for their debut in the same year.

This framed crayon and watercolour on paper is an original study created by Hockney during the production of his stage for Le Rossignol, also known as The Nightingale. It features his distinct and playful use of colour and is a rare example of an original drawing by Hockney that features his set designs.

Images are for illustrative purposes only, please get in touch to discuss framing details.

David Hockney (1937-2026) was one of the most influential 20th century British artists. He explored a diverse range of techniques over the years including painting, printmaking, drawing, set design, videography, photography and digital art. He was an innovative printmaker with technology early in his career which has gained recent traction again drawing on his iPhone and iPad. Hockney explored everything from still life and domestic scenes to portraits and landscapes, whilst also addressing themes in his own life such as sexuality. Hockney’s style is iconic and recognisable with its warm feeling and lively, colourful palette. In 2018, Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) became the most expensive artwork by a living artist to be sold at auction when it sold in New York for $90 million. Hockney’s work is held in countless international collections and museums.