Name: Joe Macdonald
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (231 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney’s Joe Macdonald (signed) lithograph print, created in 1976, is estimated to be worth between £3,500 and £5,000. Over the past five years, the hammer price ranges from £3,251 in November 2023 to £5,497 in June 2023. This artwork has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 9%. This work is somewhat rare, having been sold 14 times at auction since its entry to the market in June 2000. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 99.

Auction Date

Auction House

Location

Hammer Price

Return to Seller

Buyer Paid

November 2023

Sotheby's Online

United Kingdom

June 2023

Phillips New York

United States

March 2023

Christie's New York

United States

April 2020

Shannon's

United States

April 2019

Waddington's

Canada

November 2018

Clars Auction Gallery

United States

December 2016

Uppsala Auktionskammare

Sweden

Meaning & Analysis

Showing a well dressed man sitting confidently in a modernist armchair, his expression at once stern, at once thoughtful, this portrait of the model Joe Macdonald is a beautifully considered lithograph by his close friend David Hockney. Included in the 1976 Friends portfolio it shows Macdonald at rest and yet his psoe is slightly stiff, a feeling that is heightened by certain details such as the sharp crease of his trousers and the formality of his neck tie which contrasts with some of looser style and attire of other portraits in the series such as Henry Reading the Newspaper. Beside the chair is a coffee table on which a bottle of Vichy water can be found, a nod to the still life genre that Hockney includes in almost every portrait in the series. While other compositions include elegant floral displays or other eye-catching props, this humble water bottle feels like a casual addition, as if it was forgotten and was naturally included in the scene. With hands clasped together Macdonald could be simply waiting for an appointment, passing through Hockney’s studio – temporarily set up at the Gemini workshop – as part of a busy day.

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.