David Hockney
Renowned British Painter, Draftsman, and Photographer · Fine Arts - Contemporary Art
Royal Academy of Arts / Pop Art Movement
Era
Circa 1980s or 1990s
Item Type
Signed Exhibition Poster
Condition
Excellent; the signature remains bold with minimal fading. The paper shows slight age-toning but no major creases or tears in the visible area.
Rarity
Moderate; Hockney has been a generous signer at gallery openings, but his market remains very strong due to his status as one of the most influential living artists.
Overall Assessment
This is a high-quality, authentic example of a David Hockney signature on a period-appropriate exhibition poster. It is a desirable piece for any modern art collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; the fluid cursive, specific letter formation, and characteristic inscription style match known David Hockney exemplars from gallery signing events.
Signature Style
Cursive full name signature with an associated personalized inscription: 'For Muriel - All my good wishes'. It features his typical loopy 'D' and stylized 'H' with a connected 'y'.
Signature Characteristics
Natural slant to the right; the 'D' and 'H' are larger than other letters; high-velocity strokes in the 'good wishes' inscription; consistent baseline.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker on heavy semi-gloss paper stock; the ink shows natural absorption and consistent flow with no signs of hesitation.
Item Description
A promotional art poster for a gallery exhibition, likely at an LA-based gallery given the 'California 90036' zip code (Miracle Mile area). The image features Hockney's floral or interior artwork.
Estimated Value
$600 - $1,200 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Closely aligns with Hockney's signatures found on authorized prints and posters from the 1980s, particularly the way he forms the 'Muriel' inscription.
Authentication Tips
Look for the unique connection between the 'k' and 'n' and the specific descent of the 'y' in Hockney. Forgers often struggle with the 'speed' of his handwriting which is consistently fluid.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA; these services are widely recognized for art-related cross-over memorabilia.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the flow is natural and the context of an LA gallery poster matches Hockney's long-term residency in Los Angeles.
Provenance Notes
Value is enhanced if the identity of 'Muriel' can be linked to the Los Angeles art scene or the specific gallery mentioned on the poster.
Historical Context
Hockney moved to LA in the 1960s and became the voice of 'California Cool'; this poster represents the intersection of his British roots and American career peak.
Market Trends
Stable to Appreciation; Hockney's market is currently at an all-time high following record-breaking auction results for his original paintings.
Investment Potential
Excellent; as a premier figure of 20th-century art, his signed items are considered blue-chip assets in the memorabilia world.
Similar Autographs
Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, or Andy Warhol signed posters.
Display & Preservation
Frame using UV-protective acrylic and acid-free mounting to prevent the felt-tip ink from fading or 'ghosting' onto the glass.
Interesting Facts
Hockney is famous for 'Joiners' (photo collages) and later became a pioneer in using iPads for digital art experiments.