Who Was Peter Schlesinger, the Man Who Enchanted and Broke David Hockney's Heart?

The life and art of celebrated painter David Hockney were deeply intertwined with Peter Schlesinger, a figure who both inspired and ultimately broke the artist's heart. Hockney, who passed away on June 11 at the age of 88, consistently found artistic inspiration in his personal relationships, especially his lovers.

One of Hockney's most significant works, 'Portrait of an artist (Pool with two figures),' painted in 1972, is a testament to his relationship with Schlesinger. This iconic piece, depicting two men in a serene, possibly Californian or Mediterranean setting, sold for $90 million in 2018. The painting captures a dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the complex dynamics of the painter's relationship with his muse and lover.

Hockey met Schlesinger in 1966 when the artist was teaching in California. Schlesinger, ten years Hockney's junior, became his model and lover. Despite initial disapproval from Schlesinger's parents, the couple moved to London, where Schlesinger pursued his studies and became integrated into Hockney's social circle. During this period, Schlesinger was not only Hockney's muse but also a photographer for the artist's circle, capturing moments that often found their way into Hockney's art.

The relationship took a dramatic turn when Schlesinger developed feelings for another artist, Eric Boman. While Hockney initially tried to accommodate the situation, the romance eventually ended. The 1973 documentary film 'A Bigger Splash,' directed by Jack Hazan, which followed Hockney during the creation of his famous painting, ultimately chronicled the painful separation of the two men, highlighting the profound emotional impact Schlesinger had on Hockney's life and artistic output.