The Sexton Stood Still As A Ghost
The Sexton Stood Still As A Ghost
Signed Print
David Hockney
£2,250-£3,400Value Indicator
$4,600-$7,000 Value Indicator
$4,150-$6,500 Value Indicator
¥21,000-¥30,000 Value Indicator
€2,700-€4,050 Value Indicator
$23,000-$35,000 Value Indicator
¥440,000-¥660,000 Value Indicator
$2,900-$4,400 Value Indicator
AAGR (5 years) This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.
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Medium: Etching
Edition size: 100
Year: 1970
Size: H 45cm x W 40cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Location | Hammer Price | Return to Seller | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2024 | Forum Auctions London | United Kingdom | |||
| September 2024 | Phillips London | United Kingdom | |||
| September 2021 | Sotheby's Online | United Kingdom | |||
| May 2018 | Swann Galleries | United States | |||
| October 2005 | Bonhams New Bond Street | United Kingdom | |||
| April 2002 | Christie's London | United Kingdom |
Meaning & Analysis
The Sexton Stood Still As A Ghost is a 1969 etching and aquatint by David Hockney. Part of the Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm series, this print depicts a sexton facing an ethereal figure who is shrouded in a white cloak with two white feet poking out at the bottom of the composition. Created on Hodgkinson handmade paper measuring 42 x 28.5 cm, it's one of 100 in a limited edition.
In The Sexton Stood Still As A Ghost, Hockney employs a combination of line etching and aquatint techniques to create a visually striking interpretation of the Grimm Brothers' tale. The composition contrasts a solid, detailed sexton figure with a flowing, sheet-like apparition, effectively conveying the narrative's eerie atmosphere.
Hockney's use of negative space is particularly notable in this work. The blank areas surrounding the figures contribute significantly to the overall composition, enhancing the sense of tension and unease central to the story. The aquatint technique adds depth and texture, particularly evident in the ghost's form and the background's subtle gradations.
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.
