Still Life with Book

Medium: Lithograph printed in colors on Arjomari mouldmade paper
Year: 1973
Image: 27 x 21 3/4 inches (68.5 x 55 cm)
Sheet: 32×25 inches (81 x 63.3 cm)
Edition: 88
Artist’s Proofs: 18 AP numbered in Roman numerals
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Scottish Arts Council (144), Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (135)

Signed, dated, titled and numbered in mauve crayon
With the blindstamp of the printer and the publisher and their inkstamp on the verso

 

Still Life with Book features a vase of flowers next to a copy of Gustave Flaubert’s novel, Bouvard et Pécuchet. Its composition is simple: a bunch of blue irises sits in an Art Deco glass vase on a table, simply represented by a subtle line against a blank wall.  Next to the vase is a copy of Bouvard et Pécuchet, with a man’s face visible on the cover.
The image is a five-color lithograph print that produces a color pencil drawing effect. Subtle shading suggests light coming from the left. This image explores Hockney’s recurring themes: the still-life. Hockney used the still-life genre to explore light, optics, and representation. The irises and the vase and book create tension. The book highlights Hockney’s connection to art history and literature as well. Flaubert’s book adds characterization.

Still Life with Book was created during a prolific period in Hockney’s career. By 1973, he was a major figure in British Pop Art and was well-established in Los Angeles. The work was published at Gemini G.E.L. in Los Angeles, a printmaking studio where Hockney produced many of his prints and lithographs. Following his “California” period, Hockney’s work moved towards a more realist style in the early 1970s. His portraits and still lifes were inspired by artists like Balthus and Giorgio Morandi. Hockney grew interested in printmaking, etching, and photography, leading to innovation. Still Life with Book demonstrates Hockney’s engagement with art history and experimentation: Hockney made the still life genre feel fresh. His collaborations with studios like Gemini G.E.L. solidified his place as a master printmaker.

 

 

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Auction Results

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Sotheby’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 31,750

DAVID HOCKNEY (b. 1937)
Still Life with Book, 1973
(Scottish Arts Council 144; Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo 135)
Lithograph printed in colors on Arjomari mould-made paper
Signed in colored pencil, titled and inscribed Trial Proof I
This impression is a trial proof aside from the numbered edition of 88 plus ten artist’s proofs
With the blindstamp of the publisher, Gemini G.E.L., and with their inkstamp on the verso

Christie’s New-York: 16 April 2025
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 44,100

DAVID HOCKNEY (B. 1937)
Still Life with Book (SAC 144; MCAT 135; Gemini 454), 1973
Lithograph in colors on Arjomari paper
Signed, titled, and dated in mauve crayon, numbered 80⁄88

Christie’s New-York: 28 October 2023
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 44,100

DAVID HOCKNEY (B. 1937)
Still Life with Book, 1973
Lithograph in colors, on Arjomari handmade paper
Signed, titled and dated in blue pencil, numbered 16⁄88

Phillips Hong-Kong: 21 June 2022
Estimated: HKD 280,000 – 380,000
HKD 327,600 / USD 41,730

Sotheby’s New-York: 22 October 2021
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 40,000
USD 50,400
AUCTION RECORD FOR STILL LIFE WITH BOOK

DAVID HOCKNEY (b. 1937)
Still Life with Book (Scottish Arts Council 144; Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo 135), 1973
Lithograph printed in colors on Arjomari mouldmade paper
Signed in blue pencil, dated, titled and numbered 33/88

Sotheby’s London: 16 March 2021
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP35,280 / USD 48,955

DAVID HOCKNEY (b. 1937)
Still Life With Book (Scottish Arts Council 144; MCA Tokyo 135), 1973
Lithograph printed in colors, 1973 Arjomari handmade paper
Signed in blue pencil, dated, titled, numbered 37/88

Sotheby’s New-York: 30 April 2019
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 47,500

DAVID HOCKNEY (b.1937)
STILL LIFE WITH BOOK (S.A.C. 144; M.C.A.T. 135), 1973
Lithograph printed in colors on Arjomari handmade paper
Signed in blue pencil, dated, titled and inscribed ‘A/P X’
One of ten artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 88