Name: The Lathe And Fire
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (231 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney's The Lathe And Fire, a signed etching from 1969, is estimated to be worth between £1,250 and £1,850. This artwork has been sold five times at auction since its initial sale on 16th June 1999. The hammer price over the past five years has ranged from £1,150 in March 2018 to £1,400 in November 2020. The current average annual growth rate of this work is 3%. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

Auction Date

Auction House

Location

Hammer Price

Return to Seller

Buyer Paid

April 2021

Bonhams Knightsbridge

United Kingdom

November 2018

Germann Auctions

Switzerland

November 2018

Swann Galleries

United States

April 2011

Bonhams New Bond Street

United Kingdom

June 1999

Christie's London

United Kingdom

May 1992

Christie's Amsterdam

Netherlands

Meaning & Analysis

The Lathe And Fire is a 1969 etching by David Hockney, part of his Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm series. This piece, created using etching, aquatint, and drypoint techniques, depicts a lathe engulfed in flames, with washes of grey ink to delineate plumes of smoke and scratchy mark-making to show the direction of the flames.

This etching depicts a lathe surrounded by swirling flames, rendered with meticulous detail and a sense of movement. Hockney's choice of medium allows for intricate line work and varying textures, enhancing the dramatic effect of the scene. This piece is part of Hockney's Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm series, where he interprets classic tales through his unique artistic lens. The series was produced between May and November 1969, with each etching reflecting Hockney's fascination with storytelling and his ability to blend whimsy with technical precision. The use of Hodgkinson handmade paper adds a tactile quality to the print, further enriching its visual appeal

British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.