Name: Celia Elegant
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (236 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney's Celia Elegant (signed) lithograph print, created in 1979, is estimated to be worth between £7,500 and £11,500. This artwork has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 3%. This work has an auction history of eight total sales since its entry to the market in March 2007. Over the past 12 months, the average selling price was £9,137, across a total of 1 work sold. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

Meaning & Analysis

One of seven portraits of textile designer Celia Birtwell in the Gemini G.E.L 1979 Portfolio, this signed lithograph is a beautiful example of Hockney’s mastery of the medium. Rendered in loose brushstrokes Birtwell’s figure strikes a rich contrast to some of the more austere line drawings that characterise some of the other portraits in the series and the earlier Gemini portfolio. Just as Hockney’s portraits of Ann recall Degas’ series of women at their toilet or Velasquez’s use of a mirror in the Rokeby Venus, here we see Hockney turning to the lineage of the history of art once again as he switches styles to produce a portrait that references the work of Matisse. While the series also features portraits of Ann Upton, Celia’s children and Jerry Sohn, Celia is undoubtedly placed at centre stage. Speaking of his love for Celia as both friend and subject Hockney has said, “Celia has a beautiful face, a very rare face with lots of things in it which appeal to me. It shows aspects of her, like her intuitive knowledge and her kindness, which I think is the greatest virtue. To me she’s such a special person.”

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.