Hockney and Piero: A Closer Look – Bridging Renaissance and Modern Art

From August 8 to October 27, 2024, the National Gallery in London will host a focused exhibition that brings together the works of two artistic giants: David Hockney and Piero della Francesca. Titled “Hockney and Piero: A Closer Look,” this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to witness the dialogue between Hockney’s modern masterpieces and Piero’s Renaissance classic, The Baptism of Christ.

The Exhibition

Located in Room 46, the exhibition is a celebration of Hockney’s lifelong association with the National Gallery and his admiration for Piero della Francesca. Two of Hockney’s seminal works, My Parents (1977) and Looking at Pictures on a Screen (1977), will be displayed alongside Piero’s The Baptism of Christ (circa 1437–45). Admission to this remarkable exhibit is free, underscoring the National Gallery’s commitment to making art accessible to all.

The exhibition aims to encourage visitors to “slow look,” a concept Hockney strongly advocates. By taking time to deeply engage with the artworks, viewers can reconnect with the beauty and complexity of both the natural world and artistic expression.

Hockney’s Homage to Piero

Hockney’s profound appreciation for Piero’s work is evident in his paintings. In My Parents, the reflection of The Baptism of Christ can be seen in a mirror behind the sitters, adding layers of meaning and context. In Looking at Pictures on a Screen, Hockney’s close friend Henry Geldzahler is depicted examining a screen adorned with posters of four favorite National Gallery pictures, including Piero’s masterpiece.

Hockney himself has expressed his admiration for Piero’s work, noting, “I’d love to have that Della Francesca just so I could look at it every day for an hour.” This exhibition allows visitors to understand the depth of Hockney’s inspiration and the enduring relevance of Piero’s art.

A Bicentenary Celebration

The exhibition is part of the National Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations, marking 200 years of influence on contemporary artists and public engagement. Dr. Susanna Avery-Quash, the lead curator, emphasizes the gallery’s role as a catalyst in the creative life of the nation. She states, “As part of the Bicentenary celebrations, this focus display draws attention to the powerful if hidden story of the National Gallery as a catalyst in the creative life of the nation through its encouragement of contemporary artists to draw inspiration from its collection.”

The Intersection of Art and Mathematics

Piero was a pioneering figure in the study of perspective, authoring the treatise De prospectiva pingendi, which explored the creation of three-dimensional space on a flat surface. In The Baptism of Christ, Piero employs mathematical principles to create a harmonious and timeless image, bridging the sacred and the everyday.

Accompanying Publication

A fully illustrated publication will accompany the exhibition, featuring an in-depth interview with David Hockney. The book will also explore the relationship between practicing artists and the National Gallery over the past two centuries, highlighting how its paintings have continually inspired new generations of artists. Additionally, it will delve into the gallery’s groundbreaking exhibition series, The Artist’s Eye, in which Hockney participated in 1981.

A Personal Reflection

Hockney’s personal connection to the National Gallery is profound. He reminisces, “I didn’t visit London until I was 18 years old. The National Gallery was just there. They didn’t do exhibitions in those days. But I often went there as a student. I was always looking at Fra Angelico, Piero, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. On those early visits, I remember being affected by Piero’s The Baptism of Christ; it was marvelous. I understand what reproductions do. They’ve enriched my life a great deal, and I know a lot of things from looking at them. On the other hand, when you see the real paintings, it is a different experience.”

“Hockney and Piero: A Closer Look” offers a rare and intimate exploration of the artistic dialogue between David Hockney and Piero della Francesca. This exhibition not only celebrates their individual genius but also invites visitors to engage in a visual conversation that spans centuries. By fostering a deeper appreciation for both historical and contemporary art, the National Gallery continues its mission to inspire and educate.

Do not miss this extraordinary exhibit, where art enthusiasts can witness firsthand the enduring legacy of Piero della Francesca and the modern brilliance of David Hockney.