Rare sale of David Hockney painting of beloved dog Stanley could fetch £2.5m

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Published: 2026-09-26T07:14:45.712Z • Permanent link

David Hockney's painting of his beloved dog Stanley is set to be sold at auction, with estimates suggesting it could fetch £2.5 million. The artwork, titled Dog Painting 17, is part of the Dog Series, which Hockney created in the 1970s. The artist was known for his fascination with dachshunds, and Stanley and his sister Boodgie were two of his most cherished companions. According to Sotheby's, the auction house that will be hosting the sale, Dog Painting 17 is believed to be one of only six works from the Dog Series that are currently in private hands. The painting will be the first of its kind to be sold at auction, providing a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Hockney's oeuvre.

Stanley, a dachshund, was a constant presence in Hockney's life, and the artist often featured his pets in his work. Hockney's love for his dogs was not limited to art, however, and he was known to have taken them on numerous walks around Los Angeles. In fact, Hockney's fondness for his pets was so well-documented that it even inspired a series of photographs taken by his friend, artist and photographer, Julius Shulman. The photographs, which were published in a book titled "Hockney and His Dogs," offer a glimpse into the artist's relationship with his beloved pets.

Sotheby's has confirmed that Dog Painting 17 will be sold at its upcoming London auction house, where it will be up for grabs to collectors and art enthusiasts. The sale is expected to be highly competitive, with many experts predicting that the painting will fetch a high price. Whether or not the estimate of £2.5 million proves to be accurate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Dog Painting 17 is a rare and highly sought-after piece of art that is sure to generate significant interest among collectors.

The sale of Dog Painting 17 has significant implications for the art market, particularly in the realm of contemporary art. The Dog Series, which includes only six works, is considered a highly valuable and sought-after collection of artworks. The fact that Dog Painting 17 will be the first of its kind to be sold at auction highlights the growing demand for Hockney's work, particularly among younger collectors. This, in turn, has significant implications for the broader art market, as it suggests that contemporary art is becoming increasingly popular and valuable.

The sale of Dog Painting 17 also has implications for the art world's perception of Hockney's legacy. As one of the most renowned artists of his generation, Hockney's work has long been celebrated for its technical skill and emotional resonance. The sale of Dog Painting 17, however, highlights a lesser-known aspect of his oeuvre: his love for his pets. This, in turn, has significant implications for the way we think about art and its relationship to everyday life.

The sale of Dog Painting 17 is part of a larger trend in the art market, one that reflects the growing demand for contemporary art. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the sale of artworks by younger artists, particularly those who are known for their use of digital technology. This trend has been driven in part by the growing popularity of online marketplaces and social media platforms, which have made it easier for collectors to discover and purchase contemporary art.