Christie’s auction house has announced that David Hockney’s “Dog Painting 17” is set to be sold for an estimated $3 million on October 14 during Frieze Week in London. The painting depicts Stanley, Hockney’s first dachshund, sleeping curled up on a pillow. Hockney acquired the dog in 1987 and named him after comedian Stan Laurel.
This piece is believed to be one of only six works from Hockney’s dog series that are privately owned, with others belonging to the David Hockney Foundation.
Tessa Lord, head of post-war and contemporary art at Christie’s, expressed her excitement about the painting, stating, “Its rarity is truly extraordinary.” She further explained that the artwork showcases “incredible spontaneity” and fluid brush strokes, emphasizing that it represents much more than just a portrait of a dog.
The painting will be available for public viewing at Christie’s beginning October 8, prior to the auction event on the 14th.
