The Fine Art & Collectibles Sale
Lot 83:
Description
Signed (lower right)
Image Dimensions: 17 x 13 7/8 in (43.2 x 35.4 cm)
Framed Dimensions: 24 3/4 x 21 7/8 in (63 x 55.5 cm)
This lot is accompanied by a consignor-provided COA or related documentation, offered as received.
David Hockney remains one of the most influential and celebrated figures of contemporary British art, internationally admired for his luminous depictions of modern life, innovative spatial compositions, and distinctive exploration of color and perception. During the 1960s, following his move to Los Angeles, Hockney developed the iconic swimming pool imagery that would become one of the defining visual languages of postwar art. These works transformed ordinary elements of Californian architecture and leisure into timeless symbols of modernity, light, and visual pleasure.
"Pool with Ladder" beautifully exemplifies Hockney’s refined approach to spatial reduction and graphic clarity. Rendered in colored pencil upon paper, the composition isolates the geometric structure of the swimming pool and ladder against an expansive field of luminous blue water and soft architectural space. The sharply angled perspective, simplified forms, and restrained palette create an image of remarkable calm and modern elegance. Rather than describing the environment naturalistically, Hockney transforms the pool into a highly distilled visual experience shaped by light, geometry, and atmosphere.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Hockney explored the relationship between architecture, water, and perception through a series of increasingly iconic pool compositions. Preparatory studies and works on paper such as this played a central role in his artistic process, allowing the artist to investigate compositional balance, perspective, and chromatic harmony with extraordinary precision. The resulting images possess a striking sense of openness and psychological stillness that continues to define Hockney’s enduring appeal.
Hockney’s swimming pool imagery remains among the most recognizable and internationally sought-after motifs within contemporary art, consistently achieving exceptional results at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips while occupying prominent positions within major museum collections worldwide. Their enduring appeal lies in the extraordinary balance between modern design, atmospheric light, and visual simplicity.
Beyond its significance within contemporary art history, this work possesses exceptional decorative sophistication. The luminous blue palette, elegant spatial structure, and refined graphic minimalism create a composition ideally suited to contemporary interiors, architecturally curated spaces, and sophisticated private collections alike. Rich in light, serenity, and Californian modernism, the drawing offers collectors a timeless expression of leisure, clarity, and contemporary visual culture.
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 raisonné, 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 of the document 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.
Share this lot:
