A Rake's Progress - The Hockney and Hogarth Portfolios

This autumn, for the first time ever, all three versions of William Hogarth's “Rake’s Progress” (the original artwork, Stravinsky's opera and prints by David Hockney) will be on full display at the University of Colorado Boulder, thanks to a special collaboration among the CU-Boulder's Center for British and Irish Studies, CU Art Museum, College of Music, CU Opera, and the English and Art Departments of the College of Arts and Sciences. The chance to compare all three “Rakes” nearly at once will mark more than just a special event for Colorado museum and opera goers: it promises to be an exhilarating, even transformative, experience.

David Hockney, British (b. 1937), Receiving the Inheritance, 1961-1963, from the portfolio “A Rake’s Progress: A Graphic Tale Comprising Sixteen Etchings 1961 to 1963”, 12 1/3 x 15 7/8 inches, 65.325.04, © David Hockney, Inc.

David Hockney, British (b. 1937), The Gospel Singing (Good People) Madison Sq., 1961-1963 from the portfolio “A Rake’s Progress: A Graphic Tale Comprising Sixteen Etchings 1961 to 1963”, 12 1/3 x 15 7/8 inches, 65.325.06, © David Hockney, Inc.

David Hockney, British (b. 1937), The Drinking Scene, 1961-1963, from the portfolio “A Rake’s Progress: A Graphic Tale Comprising Sixteen Etchings 1961 to 1963”, 12 1/3 x 15 7/8 inches, 65.325.09, © David Hockney, Inc.

David Hockney, British (b. 1937) Bedlam, 1961-1963 from the portfolio “A Rake’s Progress: A Graphic Tale Comprising Sixteen Etchings 1961 to 1963” 12 1/3 x 15 7/8 inches 65.325.18 © David Hockney, Inc.

David Hockney, British (b. 1937) Cast Aside, 1961-1963 from the portfolio “A Rake’s Progress: A Graphic Tale Comprising Sixteen Etchings 1961 to 1963” 12 1/3 x 15 7/8 inches 65.325.16 © David Hockney, Inc.

David Hockney, British (b. 1937) The Start of the Spending Spree, 1961-1963 from the portfolio “A Rake’s Progress: A Graphic Tale Comprising Sixteen Etchings 1961 to 1963” 12 1/3 x 15 7/8 inches 65.325.07 © David Hockney, Inc.

William Hogarth, British (b.1697 – 1764) Marriage A-la-Mode (Plate I), 1745 from the portfolio “Marriage A-la-Mode” etching and engraving 13 7/8 x 17 1/2 inches Bequest of Jack Ogilvy, CU Art Museum, University of Colorado Boulder 94.02.10 Photo: Jeff Wells / © CU Art Museum

William Hogarth, British (b.1697 – 1764), Marriage A-la-Mode (Plate IV), 1745 from the portfolio “Marriage A-la-Mode” etching and engraving 13 7/8 x 17 1/2 inches Gift of Nathan H. and Anna Creamer, CU Art Museum, University of Colorado Boulder 79.888 Photo: Jeff Wells / © CU Art Museum

William Hogarth, British (b.1697 – 1764), A Rake’s Progress (Plate I), 1735, Heath Edition, 1822, from the portfolio "A Rake's Progress", etching and engraving, 13 7/8 x 17 1/2 inches, Purchase with The Carnegie Fund, CU Art Museum, University of Colorado Boulder 2012.01.02.01, Photo: Jeff Wells / © CU Art Museum