Gregory Evans (from the Friends series)
Work on paper; portrait drawing • David Hockney
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Art / British Pop Art
Medium & Technique
Crayon or graphite pencil on paper; linear drawing with monochromatic tonal shading
Creation Period
1978
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 inches (framed); Portrait format
Subject Description
A full-length portrait of Gregory Evans, Hockney's longtime assistant and close friend. The subject is seated in a wicker chair, wearing a light-colored suit and tie, looking off-center. Beside him is a small side table holding a bottle of Vichy water. The composition is characterized by sparse, elegant lines and significant negative space typical of Hockney's drawings from this period.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight evidence of paper toning and minor undulation within the mount
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $25,000 (if authenticated original drawing) / $1,000 - $3,000 (if a signed limited edition print)
Auction Estimate
$12,000 - $20,000
Provenance History
Signature and date '78 visible bottom left; likely acquired through a contemporary art gallery or direct studio provenance
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of Hockney's portraiture from the late 1970s, showcasing his technical mastery of line and his focus on personal intimacy and domestic settings. Small-scale drawings of his inner circle form a vital part of his larger biographical oeuvre.
Notable Features
Features a clear signature by David Hockney and the date '78. The inclusion of the Vichy water bottle is a recurring motif in Hockney's work, representing the lifestyle of his contemporary subjects.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing consistent with age; possible archival acidity from original mounting; minor surface reflection from non-museum glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Reframing using UV-protective museum glass and archival acid-free matting; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the pencil/crayon marks.