plate 30 of 'Illustrations for Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm Edition B)
printed on Hodgkinson hand-made rag paper
in perfect condition (framed)
an illustration for the tale Rumpelstilzchen

Hockney created 39 etchings to illustrate 'Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm’ published by Petersburg Press. The etchings were drawn directly on to copper plates by the artist between May and November 1969. After proofs were printed in London by Maurice Payne the editions were printed by The Print Shop in Amsterdam from January to May 1970. There were four book editions each of 100 copies, accompanied by 6 etchings, all printed on 198 gsm paper without margins, A,B,C,D.
The etchings are not just illustrative of the stories, but artistic expressions by Hockney, some showing a surreal quality but some also inspired by old-master paintings, all showing his superb ability as a draughtsman. To obtain the tones and deep blacks he wanted, Hockney did not only use aquatint, but also cross-hatching which provided the subtle effects he sought. The technique is very reminiscent of that used in the magnificent cubist etchings of Jacques Villon.