Name: The Sexton Stood Still As A Ghost
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (236 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney’s The Sexton Stood Still As A Ghost (signed) is estimated to be worth between £2,000 and £3,050. This etching, created in 1970, has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 4%. This work has an auction history of six total sales since its entry to the market in April 2002. In the last 12 months, the average selling price was £2,000, across two total sales. Over the past five years, the hammer price has ranged from £1,600 in September 2024 to £4,032 in September 2021, with an average return to the seller of £2,275. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

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.