David Hockney Most Expensive Paintings Sold

DAVID HOCKNEY'S ABILITY TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF LIFE THROUGH COLOR, PERSPECTIVE, AND EMOTION HAS GARNERED HIM WIDESPREAD ACCLAIM AND ADMIRATION. WITH HIS UNIQUE APPROACH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES, HE SETS HIMSELF APART FROM HIS CONTEMPORARIES WHILE ESTABLISHING A CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZABLE STYLE. OVER THE YEARS, HIS ARTWORKS HAVE BECOME HIGHLY COVETED, FETCHING SIGNIFICANT SUMS AT AUCTION HOUSES AROUND THE GLOBE. LET'S DELVE INTO SOME OF DAVID HOCKNEY'S TOP AUCTION LOTS, EACH REPRESENTING A CHAPTER IN HIS REMARKABLE ARTISTIC JOURNEY.

1. 1. "PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST (POOL WITH TWO FIGURES)" (1972): ARGUABLY ONE OF HOCKNEY'S MOST ICONIC WORKS, "PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST (POOL WITH TWO FIGURES)" STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO HIS MASTERY OF COMPOSITION AND NARRATIVE. THIS PAINTING, FEATURING A CONTEMPLATIVE FIGURE STANDING BY A POOLSIDE, WHILE ANOTHER SWIMS BENEATH THE WATER'S SURFACE, EXUDES A SENSE OF MYSTERY AND INTROSPECTION. IN NOVEMBER 2018, IT SHATTERED RECORDS WHEN IT SOLD FOR A STAGGERING $90.3 MILLION AT CHRISTIE'S, MAKING IT THE MOST EXPENSIVE ARTWORK BY A LIVING ARTIST EVER SOLD AT AUCTION AT THE TIME.

   
   

2. "Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica" (1990): Hockney's fascination with the California landscape is beautifully captured in "Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica." This vibrant depiction of the winding highway against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean showcases his adeptness at conveying the essence of light and space. In 2018, this masterpiece fetched $28.5 million at Sotheby's, reaffirming Hockney's status as a titan of contemporary art.
   

3. "Portrait of Sir David Webster" (1971): In "Portrait of Sir David Webster," Hockney pays homage to the former general administrator of the Royal Opera House, portraying him with a sense of dignity and presence. The use of bold colors and fluid brushstrokes imbues the portrait with a sense of vitality and warmth. This esteemed artwork commanded a price of $17 million at auction in 2018, underscoring Hockney's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with finesse.
   

4. "The Splash" (1966): "The Splash" is part of Hockney's celebrated series depicting the moment when a diver breaks the surface of a swimming pool, sending water cascading into the air. This particular piece, characterized by its dynamic composition and vivid hues, exemplifies Hockney's fascination with the interplay of light and movement. In 2020, it sold for $29.8 million at Sotheby's, cementing its status as an iconic representation of Hockney's oeuvre.
   

5. "Henry Geldzahler and Christopher Scott" (1969): "Henry Geldzahler and Christopher Scott" is a poignant portrayal of two of Hockney's close friends, set against the backdrop of a sunlit terrace. The artist's distinctive style is evident in the meticulous rendering of details and the juxtaposition of geometric forms. This captivating artwork fetched $49.5 million at auction in 2019, attesting to the enduring allure of Hockney's portraiture.
   

David Hockney's top auction lots offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of his artistic genius. From evocative portraits to vibrant landscapes, each artwork encapsulates Hockney's unparalleled ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around him. As these pieces continue to command impressive prices at auction, they serve as a testament to Hockney's enduring legacy and his profound impact on the realm of contemporary art.

April 10, 2024