Steps Into The Water
Steps Into The Water
Signed Print
David Hockney
£10,000-£14,500Value Indicator
$21,000-$30,000 Value Indicator
$19,000-$27,000 Value Indicator
¥90,000-¥140,000 Value Indicator
€12,000-€17,000 Value Indicator
$100,000-$150,000 Value Indicator
¥1,930,000-¥2,810,000 Value Indicator
$13,000-$19,000 Value Indicator
AAGR (5 years) This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.
There aren't enough data points on this work for a comprehensive result. Please speak to a specialist by making an enquiry.
Medium: Photographic print
Edition size: 80
Year: 1976
Size: H 27cm x W 21cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Location | Hammer Price | Return to Seller | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2023 | Phillips New York | United States | |||
| November 2018 | Millea Bros. | United States | |||
| December 2016 | Van Ham Fine Art Auctions | Germany | |||
| June 2015 | Germann Auctions | Switzerland |
Meaning & Analysis
Steps Into The Water is a 1976 chromogenic print by David Hockney, part of his Twenty Photographic Pictures portfolio. The image captures steps descending into a swimming pool, and showcases the lines of waves on the water's surface which Hockney mimicked in many of his most famous works. This work exemplifies Hockney's shift towards photography in the 1970s and his ongoing exploration of water, light, and Californian aesthetics that began with his move to Los Angeles in the 1960s.
In Steps Into The Water, Hockney utilises the chromogenic printing process to render the interplay of light and water with remarkable precision. The composition centres on the geometric form of pool steps juxtaposed against the organic patterns of water ripples. Hockney's mastery of colour is evident in the print's vibrant blue tones, achieved through the chromogenic process, which allows for nuanced colour reproduction.
This work is significant within Hockney's oeuvre as it demonstrates his application of painterly sensibilities to photography. The high contrast between the crisp edges of the steps and the water's surface showcases Hockney's ability to capture ephemeral light effects through photographic means. This approach is consistent across the Twenty Photographic Pictures series, which includes other notable works such as Gregory In The Pool and Sunbather.
British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.
