David Hockney – He Tore Himself To Pieces

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David Hockney (British, b. 1937)

He Tore Himself To Pieces, 1969

Series: Rumpelstilzchen (Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm)

Medium: Etching and aquatint on handmade paper

Dimensions: 62 x 46 cm (24.4 x 18.1 in)

Edition of 100: Hand-signed and numbered in pencil

Publisher: Petersburg Press Ltd., London

Condition: Excellent

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David Hockney – He Tore Himself To Pieces

About this artwork

David Hockney – He Tore Himself To Pieces

He Tore Himself To Pieces (1969) is a finely detailed etching and aquatint by David Hockney from his celebrated Rumpelstilzchen portfolio, Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm. Printed on handmade paper, the fine art print unfolds across four sequential panels, narrating the climactic moment in which the enraged dwarf literally tears himself apart after the queen reveals his name.

Hockney stages the scene almost like a storyboard: the first panels show the figure crouched and then violently springing upward; the final images fragment the body into separated limbs and a rounded torso. Rendered in delicate etched lines and soft aquatint shading, the print's composition balances dark humor with psychological intensity. The sparse setting heightens the absurd brutality of the tale, allowing gesture and movement to carry the narrative tension.

Issued in a limited edition of 100, the artwork is hand-signed and numbered in pencil and was published by Petersburg Press, London. The fine art print stands as a powerful example of Hockney’s early engagement with literary storytelling and his masterful use of graphic sequence within printmaking.

About David Hockney

David Hockney (b. 1937) is one of the most influential contemporary British artists, widely celebrated for his vibrant artwork, innovative printmaking, and pioneering use of new technologies. As a painter, printmaker, and draftsman, Hockney has created a remarkable body of artworks that span intimate portraits, expressive landscapes, and the iconic pool scenes that helped define his early career. His artwork is instantly recognizable for its bold colors, clear forms, and inventive perspectives, inviting viewers into a world shaped by curiosity, emotion, and a deep appreciation for visual storytelling.

Hockney’s exploration of prints has been central to his practice. Over several decades he has produced an extensive range of limited edition prints, working experimentally across etching, lithography, photocollage, and, more recently, digital iPad drawings. These prints echo the energy and clarity of his paintings while offering unique insights into his creative process. Hockney’s artworks often reveal his fascination with light, movement, and the human experience, merging traditional techniques with contemporary tools to create work that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. As an artist who continually embraces change, he has maintained a leading role in shaping modern visual culture and remains a key figure for collectors, scholars, and admirers of contemporary art.

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