Christie's is set to present David Hockney's seminal 1968 painting, "Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy," at auction in November 2025, with an anticipated sale price exceeding $50 million. This significant piece, the inaugural work in Hockney's renowned double portrait series, captures a sun-drenched moment between the celebrated English novelist Christopher Isherwood and his partner, the artist Don Bachardy. The painting has been a focal point in major international exhibitions, underscoring Hockney's profound ability to convey intimate relationships through his distinctive perspective and masterful use of texture. It is widely regarded as a pinnacle achievement among his double portraits created between 1968 and 1975.
This upcoming sale offers a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a pivotal work from an artist whose creations, such as "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)," have previously shattered world auction records. "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" achieved a staggering $90.3 million at Christie's in New York in November 2018, setting a new benchmark for the most expensive artwork by a living artist at the time. This sale surpassed the previous record held by Jeff Koons's "Balloon Dog (Orange)" by a considerable margin.
The painting, created in Hockney's London studio, was a response to a tight deadline for a New York exhibition, with Hockney famously completing it the night before it was due to be shipped. The artwork's journey to this record-breaking sale is a testament to its enduring appeal and significance within contemporary art history, celebrated for its emotional depth and compositional complexity.
The sale of "Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy" presents a chance to own a piece from an artist whose market continues to demonstrate robust interest. While Hockney's print market saw a dip in sales value in 2024, his major paintings continue to command significant attention and value, reflecting his sustained influence. The art market for modern British artists, in general, has shown resilience, with a notable increase in gallery and dealer businesses and a consistent demand for established names, suggesting a strong environment for this upcoming auction.
The painting itself, depicting Isherwood and Bachardy in their Santa Monica home, offers a nuanced portrayal of their relationship, with Isherwood's composed demeanor contrasting with Bachardy's direct gaze, creating a dynamic visual dialogue. The composition is further enriched by symbolic objects and the interplay of light, reflecting Hockney's keen eye for detail and his ability to imbue his subjects with a palpable presence. This work, having resided in a private collection for four decades, represents a unique opportunity to engage with a cornerstone of Hockney's celebrated double portrait series.