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Artworks
David Hockney
Red Celia (M.C.A.T 267), 1984Lithograph76.2 x 54.6 cm.
30 x 21 1/2 in.Edition of 82Signed and numbered in pencil lower right/left.Red Celia is a signed lithograph, part of an edition of 82, and stands as one of David Hockney’s most direct and poignant portraits of his longtime friend and muse, the celebrated British fashion and print designer Celia Birtwell. In Red Celia, Hockney captures the essence of Birtwell with a striking intensity that resonates throughout the Moving Focus series. The lithograph portrays her in repose, her hands clasped atop her head, with her dishevelled hair outlined in fine lines and her jumper subtly shaded with washed-out ink. Executed in bold reds and bluish tones, the print is rich in texture, conveying the emotional depth of Hockney’s artistic expression. Red Celia stands as one of Hockney’s most dramatic portraits, where Birtwell’s distinctive style and artistic flair merge with Hockney’s visionary approach. This lithograph not only exemplifies Hockney's evolution in visual language but also marks a significant moment in British cultural history.