
Description
Signed (verso)
Image Dimensions: 34 1/4 x 27 1/2 in (87 x 70 cm)
This lot is accompanied by a consignor-provided COA or related documentation, offered as received.
David Hockney stands as one of the most influential figures in postwar British and international art, whose work consistently engages with art history while redefining the language of contemporary painting. Throughout his career, Hockney has revisited canonical images, not as acts of imitation, but as reinterpretations that bridge past and present through color, structure, and perception.
In Van Gogh's Chair, Hockney directly engages with one of Vincent van Gogh's most iconic motifs, transforming it into a distinctly contemporary image. The composition is centered on a single wooden chair, rendered with bold contours and simplified geometry. By isolating the object within a flattened interior space, Hockney elevates it from a functional item to a symbolic form, echoing van Gogh's original intention while recontextualizing it within his own visual language.
Color is the defining force of the work. Highly saturated blues, reds, yellows, and greens interact across the surface, creating a vibrant and almost electric visual field. Unlike van Gogh's modulated tonal approach, Hockney employs a more graphic and deliberate color structure, where each hue is clearly articulated and contributes to the painting's overall clarity and immediacy.
The composition is structured through strong linear relationships. The chair's vertical and horizontal elements create a stable framework, while the diagonal floorboards introduce movement and spatial tension. The background wall, rendered in a uniform blue, compresses the space and brings the object forward, reinforcing its presence within the picture plane.
The surface is handled with controlled brushwork, emphasizing flatness and precision rather than expressive texture. This approach aligns with Hockney's broader interest in perception and representation, where the act of seeing becomes as important as the subject itself. The painting maintains a balance between painterly reference and graphic clarity.
Within the context of Hockney's oeuvre, works that engage with art historical references occupy a particularly significant position. His reinterpretations of earlier masters are highly valued for their intellectual depth and visual accessibility, and have consistently attracted strong attention in both institutional and market settings. Paintings from this period demonstrate sustained demand, reflecting the artist's enduring relevance and global recognition.
In a display setting, the work offers immediate visual impact. Its bold palette and clear structure allow it to function as a focal point within a space, while its conceptual layering invites deeper reflection. It is equally suited to contemporary interiors and sophisticated collections that value dialogue between historical and modern perspectives.
This painting encapsulates Hockney's unique ability to translate historical imagery into a contemporary visual language that is both direct and conceptually rich. It is precisely this balance of accessibility and intellectual engagement that continues to drive strong collector interest and long-term value.
Image Dimensions: 34 1/4 x 27 1/2 in (87 x 70 cm)
This lot is accompanied by a consignor-provided COA or related documentation, offered as received.
David Hockney stands as one of the most influential figures in postwar British and international art, whose work consistently engages with art history while redefining the language of contemporary painting. Throughout his career, Hockney has revisited canonical images, not as acts of imitation, but as reinterpretations that bridge past and present through color, structure, and perception.
In Van Gogh's Chair, Hockney directly engages with one of Vincent van Gogh's most iconic motifs, transforming it into a distinctly contemporary image. The composition is centered on a single wooden chair, rendered with bold contours and simplified geometry. By isolating the object within a flattened interior space, Hockney elevates it from a functional item to a symbolic form, echoing van Gogh's original intention while recontextualizing it within his own visual language.
Color is the defining force of the work. Highly saturated blues, reds, yellows, and greens interact across the surface, creating a vibrant and almost electric visual field. Unlike van Gogh's modulated tonal approach, Hockney employs a more graphic and deliberate color structure, where each hue is clearly articulated and contributes to the painting's overall clarity and immediacy.
The composition is structured through strong linear relationships. The chair's vertical and horizontal elements create a stable framework, while the diagonal floorboards introduce movement and spatial tension. The background wall, rendered in a uniform blue, compresses the space and brings the object forward, reinforcing its presence within the picture plane.
The surface is handled with controlled brushwork, emphasizing flatness and precision rather than expressive texture. This approach aligns with Hockney's broader interest in perception and representation, where the act of seeing becomes as important as the subject itself. The painting maintains a balance between painterly reference and graphic clarity.
Within the context of Hockney's oeuvre, works that engage with art historical references occupy a particularly significant position. His reinterpretations of earlier masters are highly valued for their intellectual depth and visual accessibility, and have consistently attracted strong attention in both institutional and market settings. Paintings from this period demonstrate sustained demand, reflecting the artist's enduring relevance and global recognition.
In a display setting, the work offers immediate visual impact. Its bold palette and clear structure allow it to function as a focal point within a space, while its conceptual layering invites deeper reflection. It is equally suited to contemporary interiors and sophisticated collections that value dialogue between historical and modern perspectives.
This painting encapsulates Hockney's unique ability to translate historical imagery into a contemporary visual language that is both direct and conceptually rich. It is precisely this balance of accessibility and intellectual engagement that continues to drive strong collector interest and long-term value.
Condition
ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to," "after," "manner of," "circle of," "school of," "in the artist's style," or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonne, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer's post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions' discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "As Is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com .
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to," "after," "manner of," "circle of," "school of," "in the artist's style," or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonne, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer's post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions' discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "As Is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com .
Buyer's Premium
33%
DAVID HOCKNEY (B.1937), ATTRIBUTED TO, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
Estimate $140,000-$170,000
Starting Price
$2,000
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May Premier Antique & Collectibles
May 18, 2026 9:00 AM EDTGermantown, MD, United States
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