Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy by David Hockney: A Masterpiece of Intimacy and Influence
Few images define the cultural and literary landscape of late 1960s California as vividly as the double portrait of Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy by David Hockney. Painted in 1968, this monumental work is not merely a depiction of two men in a room; it is a profound study of a partnership that bridged the worlds of British literature and American visual art. At RedKalion, we believe that understanding the narrative behind such iconic works elevates the experience of collecting art prints, transforming a decorative choice into a connection with art history.
The Intersection of Literature and Visual Art
When David Hockney arrived in Los Angeles in 1964, he found a city bathed in a specific, hard-edged light that contrasted sharply with the grey tones of his native England. It was within this vibrant environment that he deepened his friendship with the renowned novelist Christopher Isherwood and his partner, the portrait artist Don Bachardy. The resulting painting, Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy, remains one of the most celebrated entries in Hockney’s series of large-scale double portraits, alongside works like Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy.
The composition is a masterclass in psychological tension and domestic harmony. Isherwood sits firmly, looking directly at the viewer with the authority of an established man of letters, while Bachardy is depicted in profile, looking toward Isherwood. This gaze creates a circularity within the frame, suggesting a private world that the viewer is invited to observe but never fully enter.
This particular acrylic print captures the luminous quality of Hockney's work, a technique he perfected during his California years to mimic the sun-drenched atmosphere of the West Coast. The use of acrylics allowed Hockney to achieve the flat, saturated areas of color that became his stylistic signature during this period.
Style, Technique, and the California Aesthetic
In the late 1960s, David Hockney moved away from his earlier, more abstract leanings toward a refined naturalism. The portrait of Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy exemplifies this shift. Every detail, from the pile of books on the table to the specific texture of the wicker chair, serves a dual purpose: it grounds the subjects in a real, lived-in space and serves as a formal element in a carefully balanced composition.
Hockney's ability to render light through a window—a recurring motif in his work—is used here to illuminate the subjects with a clarity that feels almost clinical yet deeply affectionate. The painting reflects the influence of the Old Masters, yet it is undeniably modern, capturing the essence of the 20th-century "New York School" and the emerging pop sensibilities of the West Coast. For more on Hockney's technique, the Tate Modern provides extensive resources on his evolution from painting to photography.
A framed art print provides a classic way to display Hockney’s work, mimicking the gallery-ready presentation found in major institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where much of the Hockney legacy is preserved.
The Legacy of Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy
The subjects themselves are as significant as the artist. Christopher Isherwood, the author of Goodbye to Berlin (the basis for Cabaret) and A Single Man, was a pioneer in gay literature. Don Bachardy, his partner of over thirty years, became a distinguished portraitist in his own right, often drawing the Hollywood elite. Their relationship was a cornerstone of the Santa Monica artistic community, and Hockney’s portrait serves as a historical document of their enduring partnership.
When we look at christopher isherwood and don bachardy david hockney, we see more than just two figures; we see a radical assertion of domesticity and queer identity at a time when such visibility was rare. It is this depth of meaning that makes Hockney’s prints a favorite for those seeking art that carries both aesthetic beauty and historical weight.
For modern interiors, a brushed aluminum print offers a sleek, industrial contrast to Hockney's mid-century subjects, bridging the gap between historical art and contemporary design trends.
Collecting Hockney Prints: Expert Recommendations
When selecting a Hockney print for your collection, consider the medium and the environment. Acrylic prints offer a high-gloss, high-definition finish that mimics the luminosity of Hockney’s original canvases. Aluminum prints, on the other hand, provide a matte, sophisticated look that reduces glare in brightly lit rooms. Regardless of the finish, the goal of a museum-quality print is to preserve the integrity of the artist’s vision, ensuring that the nuances of the christopher isherwood and don bachardy david hockney portrait—the subtle play of shadows and the intensity of the colors—remain intact for years to come.
Questions and Answers
Who are Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy?
Christopher Isherwood was a celebrated British-American novelist, and Don Bachardy is a renowned American portrait artist. They were a prominent couple in the Los Angeles arts scene and the subjects of one of David Hockney's most famous double portraits.
When did David Hockney paint Isherwood and Bachardy?
The portrait was painted in 1968, during a period when Hockney was creating a series of large-scale double portraits in Los Angeles.
What is the significance of the Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy portrait?
It is considered a landmark in 20th-century figurative art, notable for its portrayal of a long-term gay relationship with dignity, naturalism, and psychological depth.
Why did David Hockney use acrylic paint for this work?
Hockney favored acrylics in the late 1960s because they allowed for flat, vibrant areas of color and dried quickly, which suited the clear, bright atmosphere of California that he wanted to capture.
