New Book Explores David Hockney's 'Beverly Hills Housewife' and His Muse Betty Freeman
In his latest publication, 'The Beverly Hills Housewife: Hockney's Californian Muse and the World Beyond the Pool,' James Cahill delves into David Hockney's painting 'The Beverly Hills Housewife,' created between 1966 and 1967, and his bond with Betty Freeman, the art collector featured in the work. Released by Thames & Hudson (272pp, £25), the book reflects on Freeman’s life, her passion for art, and her support of music, while also showcasing Hockney's Los Angeles connections. Cahill, who first encountered the painting five years ago, notes its mysterious nature and the sense of separation conveyed by the green grass. Hockney based the piece on black-and-white photographs taken at Freeman's residence in late summer 1966. Freeman, who passed away in 2009, enjoyed a four-decade friendship with Hockney and was a dedicated art enthusiast. The book further draws connections to the works of Piero della Francesca and examines Hockney's influences in LA.
Key facts
- James Cahill's new book 'The Beverly Hills Housewife: Hockney's Californian Muse and the World Beyond the Pool' is published by Thames & Hudson, 272pp, £25.
- The book explores David Hockney's 1966–67 painting 'The Beverly Hills Housewife' and his friendship with Betty Freeman.
- Hockney painted the portrait from black-and-white photographs taken during a visit to Freeman's Beverly Hills home in late summer 1966.
- Freeman was a serious art collector in 1950s LA, close to Sam Francis and Clyfford Still.
- Freeman wrote a book on Clyfford Still that he hated; it was never published and they stopped speaking.
- Freeman became a patron of music in the 1970s and is remembered for that work.
- Hockney and Freeman remained friends for four decades until her death in 2009.
- Cahill draws parallels between Hockney's painting and Piero della Francesca's 'The Flagellation of Christ'.
- The book also discusses Hockney's LA circle, including Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy.
- Cahill compares Hockney's work to the Light and Space movement and Edward Kienholz's installations.
Entities
Artists
- David Hockney
- Betty Freeman
- James Cahill
- Sam Francis
- Clyfford Still
- Piero della Francesca
- Christopher Isherwood
- Don Bachardy
- Edward Kienholz
- Peter Schlesinger
- John Kasmin
- Le Corbusier
Institutions
- Thames & Hudson
- The Art Newspaper
- National Gallery London
- UC San Diego Library
- The Guardian
- Financial Times
Locations
- Beverly Hills
- Los Angeles
- California
- Bradford
- Hollywood
- Venice
- London
- United States