David Hockney dog painting to be auctioned for up to £2.5 million

Christie's will auction ‘Dog Painting 17’, a work by the late British artist David Hockney, marking the first time a piece from his renowned ‘Dog Series’ has appeared at auction. The painting, created between 1994 and 1995, depicts Hockney’s beloved dachshund, Stanley, sleeping on a cushion.

The artwork is estimated to fetch between £1.5 million and £2.5 million. Experts note the rarity of the sale, as only about six of the more than 40 paintings in the series are believed to be held in private collections; the remainder are owned by the David Hockney Foundation.

The series was inspired by Hockney’s dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie, who were central to his life in Hollywood. Tessa Lord, Christie’s head of postwar and contemporary art, described the painting as “extraordinarily” rare and an “exciting” addition to the auction. The sale is scheduled for October 14 in London during Frieze Week.