Signed, dated, and titled on the reverse. The blindstamp of the publisher as well as on the reverse the stamp of the publisher and the workshop number in pencil: DH 76-774).

Provenance

Private Collection, Bavaria (acquired in 1977 at Galerie Mikro, Berlin)

One of a series entitled “Friends”, this portrait of the artist Mo McDermott features the artist sitting on a chair in profile. McDermott was a close friend of Hockney, and is known for his whimsical wood cut-out sculptures of plants and animals. Here the subject appears wistful as he gazes forward and slightly down. While the rest of his body is loosely defined with few lines, McDermott’s hands and face are carefully drawn.

Hockney has been an avid portraitist throughout his career, with subjects ranging from his mother and Celia Birtwell, his muse over many decades, to art dealer Larry Gagosian and artist John Baldessari. He often drew and painted his models seated in an armchair, as seen in this portrait.