“Portrait of an Artist” by David Hockney – A Poolside Masterpiece

Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) by David Hockney, created in 1972, stands as one of the most iconic works of the British artist’s career. This large-scale acrylic painting masterfully combines Hockney’s signature style with his deep exploration of human relationships and the Californian lifestyle. Depicting a man standing at the edge of a vibrant swimming pool gazing at another figure underwater, the piece encapsulates themes of observation, connection, and the interplay between natural and artificial environments. Celebrated for its vivid colors, meticulous composition, and emotional depth, Portrait of an Artist reflects Hockney’s keen eye for detail and his ability to convey complex narratives through his art.

Key Takeaways

• Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) is a seminal work by British artist David Hockney, encapsulating his contributions to Pop Art.
• The painting is lauded for its emotional richness and the depiction of the Los Angeles landscape that influenced Hockney’s career.
• It achieved a historic auction milestone, reflecting its monumental status in the art world and the market.

Historical Context of the Artwork

David Hockney, a significant contributor to the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, created one of his most acclaimed paintings, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures), in 1972. This large acrylic-on-canvas masterpiece is not only a signature piece within Hockney’s rich oeuvre but also a profound representation of the artist’s innovative approach to capturing intimate moments and landscapes. The work showcases Hockney’s mastery in the use of vibrant colors and the interplay of figures within a spatial context, bringing to life the dynamic scene of a clothed observer overlooking the swimmer in a pool.

Portrait of David Hockney; David Bramhall, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, via Flickr

Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) holds a special place in the art market, evidenced by its record-breaking sale at auction in November 2018 for $90.3 million – a testament to its enduring appeal and significance in contemporary art history. The piece is celebrated for its emotional depth, compositional complexity, and the distinctive blend of personal narrative with Hockney’s experience of the California lifestyle, embodied by the city of Los Angeles – a recurrent theme in his body of work.

Through this painting, Hockney carves his identity not just as a painter but as a visual storyteller, whose works bridge the personal and the universal.

A Quick Exploration of David Hockney

David Hockney, born in Bradford, England, in 1937, is revered as one of the most influential living artists to emerge from the UK. After moving to California in the 1960s, Hockney was captivated by the distinct quality of light and lifestyle, which became a hallmark of his work. Hockney’s career flourished in this vibrant environment, and he became a leading figure in the Pop Art movement with his bright, bold palettes and innovative portrayal of Californian landscapes and domestic scenes. Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sits at the nexus of Hockney’s English identity and Californian experiences, encapsulating the artist’s transition from his roots in Bradford to his life in California.

Portrait of an Artist (1972), David Hockney; Regan Vercruysse, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, via Flickr

Analyzing Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)

David Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) merges personal narrative with a compelling use of color and form, creating a sense of depth both visually and thematically.

Subject Matter and Style

The painting showcases two male figures: one submerged in water and the other standing by the poolside. The standing figure appears to be gazing down at the swimmer. Hockney’s style here is characterized by its clean lines and sharp forms, indicative of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s which he was associated with.

The simplicity of the composition in the Hollywood Hills backdrop, combined with the complexity of emotion captured, reflects a sophisticated balance between realism and abstraction.

Use of Color

Hockney employs a vibrant palette, creating a sharp contrast between the vivid blue of the California pool water and the lush greens of its surroundings. The brightness of the colors acts as an invitation to explore the depths of the canvas, drawing the eyes to the interaction of light and hue. This striking use of color emphasizes the artist’s perspective on the interaction between humans and their environment.

David Hockney’s artwork exhibited at the Met; Victoria Pickering, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, via Flickr

Symbolism of Water and Space

Water in the painting can be interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional distance in a relationship, embodied by the space between the two figures. The water serves as a dividing element that separates them, but also as a reflective surface that joins their worlds.

It reflects the sunny space around the pool, typically associated with the leisurely lifestyle of Los Angeles, juxtaposing freedom with the potential isolation of the figures within.

Figure Swimming Underwater and Boy Gazing

The underwater swimmer could symbolize an exploration of the subconscious or the nuances of a personal relationship, a recurring theme in Hockney’s portraits. Meanwhile, the boy’s gaze upon the swimmer introduces an air of contemplation or perhaps longing. Together, they invite speculation about their connection—are they estranged, intimate, or somewhere ambiguously in between? This duality enriches the narrative of the painting, suggesting layers beyond the immediate visual impact.

Market Impact and Notable Sales

David Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) has left a lasting impression on the art market, setting records and captivating collectors worldwide. It achieved a momentous sale at Christie’s, spurred prominent offers from collectors, and continues to shape the legacy of contemporary art.

Record-Breaking Auction at Christie’s

In a historic sale, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) was sold at Christie’s Auction House in 2018 for an astounding $90.3 million. This remarkable event took place in New York, firmly placing the artwork in the annals of auction history. Alex Rotter, the Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, played an integral role in the sale, which for a time branded Hockney as the most expensive living artist, a title formerly held by Jeff Koons for his Balloon Dog (Orange).

Portrait of an Artist (1972), David Hockney; David Bramhall, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, via Flickr

Prominent Collectors and Offers

The sale of the artwork triggered significant interest among high-profile collectors. Before reaching its record price, the painting was the subject of multiple offers and was showcased at influential galleries, including the Andre Emmerich Gallery.

Notably, billionaire Joe Lewis displayed the piece alongside an exquisite collection of modern and contemporary art in Malibu.

Legacy of the Artwork Today

Following the sale, the artwork’s value to contemporary culture and art history has been widely acknowledged. It has been featured in major retrospectives, including a significant exhibition at Tate Britain. The attention the piece has received contributes to the sustained study and appreciation seen in recent monographs and art discourse. As it stands, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) operates not just as a valuable commodity but also as a vital piece of Hockney’s artistic narrative and a touchstone for modern art collections.

Portrait of an Artist (1972), David Hockney, exhibited at the Met; Victoria Pickering, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, via Flickr

Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) remains a seminal piece in David Hockney’s oeuvre, encapsulating his unique ability to blend personal narrative with broader cultural themes. This artwork not only highlights Hockney’s technical prowess and innovative use of color but also his profound exploration of human relationships and the subtleties of emotional expression. Its enduring appeal and significant impact on contemporary art affirm Hockney’s status as a leading figure in modern art. As viewers continue to be drawn into its intricate composition and poignant subject matter, Portrait of an Artist endures as a testament to Hockney’s artistic vision and his enduring influence on the art world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) Represent in David Hockney’s Work?

Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) is considered a culmination of David Hockney’s exploration of two dominant themes: swimming pools and interpersonal relationships. This painting exemplifies Hockney’s interest in capturing the intimate dynamics of human figures within the context of a pool, a recurring motif in his works that often symbolizes leisure and the California lifestyle.

How Is the Use of Color Significant in David Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist?

Color in Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) is employed to create visual contrast and balance, marking Hockney’s adeptness in using vibrant hues to shape mood and atmosphere. The radiant blue tones of the pool, set against the more subdued colors of the surrounding landscape and figures, draw the eye and underscore the serenity and isolation inherent in the composition.

How Has the Valuation of Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) Changed Over Time?

The valuation of Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) has seen a remarkable increase, reflecting David Hockney’s growing prominence in the art world. The piece set a record at auction for the highest price achieved for a work by a living artist at the time of its sale, signaling its esteemed status in the contemporary art market. This ascent in value underlines the enduring significance and appeal of Hockney’s work.

Isabella Meyer( Head of Content, Editor, Art Writer )

Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate years, she took Art History as an additional subject and absolutely loved it. Building on from her art history knowledge that began in high school, art has always been a particular area of fascination for her. From learning about artworks previously unknown to her, or sharpening her existing understanding of specific works, the ability to continue learning within this interesting sphere excites her greatly.

Her focal points of interest in art history encompass profiling specific artists and art movements, as it is these areas where she is able to really dig deep into the rich narrative of the art world. Additionally, she particularly enjoys exploring the different artistic styles of the 20^th century, as well as the important impact that female artists have had on the development of art history.

Learn more about Isabella Meyer and the Art in Context Team.