David Hockney (British b.1937) The Beginning, Etching and Aquatint 1966, from the Illustrations for Fourteen Poems from C.P. Cavafy, measurements 35 x 22 cm, frame 61 x 47 cm

Provenance: private local collector who purchased from the Goldmark Gallery

Hockney found inspiration as a teenager in the writings of Greek-Egyptian poet Constantine Cavafy (1863-1933) and created a suite of thirteen very intimate etchings reflecting Cavafy's powerful reflections on homosexual desire.

The etching is a work on paper, framed under glazing, not examined external to the frame. It has full margins and visible platemark. The paper does not have obvious evidence for rips, creasing or folds. The plate has foxing. The frame has general wear and tear.