Artist: David Hockney (British, b.1937). Title: "Parade, Metropolitan Opera, N.Y., 1981 [unsigned impression]". Medium: Color silkscreen. Date: Composed 1981. Dimensions: Overall size: 80 7/8 x 41 in. (2054 x 1041 mm). Image size: 79 3/4 x 39 7/8 in. (2026 x 1013 mm). Lot Note(s): Signed and dated "© David Hockey 1981 Petersburg Press" in the plate, lower center. Edition unknown, presumed small. Light cream heavyweight wove paper. The full sheet. Very fine impression with heavy ink application; extraordinarily fresh colors. Very good condition; some minor creasing in the margins, not into image. Literature/catalogue raisonne: Baggot/Hockney Posters 94 (1987); Baggot/Hockney Posters 103 (1994). Comment(s): Huge, almost seven feet high. Features Hockney's oil on canvas "Harlequin" (1980). Published by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York. Printed by the Petersburg Press, New York. Poster image copyright © David Hockney. Hockney, often referred to as England's greatest living artist, made brilliant contributions to the world of opera as a stage and costume designer. He also designed numerous posters. Beginning in 1975 with his work for Stravinksy's 'The Rakes Progress', until 1990 when he worked on 'Turandot', Hockney worked for the major opera houses. Among his most memorable productions were Mozart's 'Magic Flute' and Wagner's 'Tristan and Isolde'. His collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera on Eric Satie's 'Parade' is best remembered for this poster. The image, with Hockney's neo-pop decor and costumes, showcases a juggler whose contortions fit eye-catchingly into the poster's elongated format. If the opera itself is not so popular, this image has become a classic. [courtesy Nick Lowry, Swann Galleries]. [28321-8-1200]