David Hockney – Straw on the Left, Gold on the Right

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David Hockney (British, b. 1937)

Straw on the Left, Gold on the Right, 1969

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

Medium: Etching and aquatint on handmade paper

Dimensions: 45.1 × 40.6 cm (17 3/4 × 16 in)

Edition of 100: Hand-signed and numbered

Publisher: Petersburg Press Ltd., London

Condition: Excellent

This artwork ships worldwide.
David Hockney – Straw on the Left, Gold on the Right

About this artwork

David Hockney – Straw on the Left, Gold on the Right

Straw on the Left, Gold on the Right (1969) is a richly worked etching and aquatint by David Hockney from his Rumpelstilzchen series, created for Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm. Printed on handmade paper, the fine art print refers directly to the central episode of the fairy tale, in which the miller’s daughter is forced to spin worthless straw into gold. Hockney reduces this moment to its essentials, presenting two compact forms side by side to suggest both the impossible demand and its unsettling resolution.

The dense, tangled straw contrasts with the lighter, more ordered gold, yet both are built from similar linear marks, emphasizing the story’s tension between imposed value and material reality. Issued in a limited edition of 100, the artwork is signed and numbered and was published by Petersburg Press, London. The original print is in excellent condition and stands as a strong example of Hockney’s early exploration of narrative imagery in his graphic work.

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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