David Hockney’s In Front of House Looking North is part of his The Arrival of Spring: Normandy series, showcasing the 17th-century thatched cottage, Le Grande Cour, which Hockney now calls home in North West France.
While the cottage could be located in any rural setting, Hockney’s playful use of colour and his mastery of line and form make the piece distinctly recognizable as his work.
Hockney employs shades of red and brown, along with dynamic lines and brushstrokes, to illustrate the slanted thatched roof, window shutters, and tiling of the historic cottage. The open window shutters create a welcoming atmosphere, and a blue bench in front invites visitors to enjoy the surroundings and engage in lively conversation.
The scene is framed by a neatly kept gravel driveway and vibrant greenery—bushy trees, lush lawns, and blooming plants. In Hockney’s uplifting The Arrival of Spring: Normandy series, nature emerges as a symbol of renewal and an antidote to the anxieties of the modern world, including the impending challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.