Four
Colour Quartets
Mel Bochner's Four Colour Quartets print series, consists of First Quartet, Second Quartet, Third Quartet, and Fourth Quartet. Created in 1990, the series presents a rich exploration of colour theory and abstract composition. Each lithograph in the series is distinguished by its unique configuration of vivid colours arranged in geometric forms. Straying from his typically vibrant hues, this series adopts contemplative muted tones, suggesting depth and introspection.
Mel Bochner Four Colour Quartets For sale
Four Colour Quartets Value (5 Years)
Sales data across the Four Colour Quartets series by Mel Bochner varies by print. While standout works have sold at auction for up to £935, other editions in the series remain rare to market or have yet to appear publicly for sale. Of those tracked, average selling prices have ranged from £601 to £601, with an annual growth rate of 11.17% across available data. Collectors should note the discrepancy in performance between more visible and lesser-seen editions when considering value potential in this series.
Four Colour Quartets Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Second Quartet (colour) Mel Bochner Signed Print | 18 Apr 2024 | Wright | £468 | £550 | £750 |
 First Quartet (colour) Mel Bochner Signed Print | 8 Dec 2022 | Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers | £255 | £300 | £400 |
 Fourth Quartet (colour) Mel Bochner Signed Print | 2 Dec 2020 | Capsule Gallery Auction | £765 | £900 | £1,150 |
Sell Your Art
with Us
with Us
Join Our Network of Collectors. Buy, Sell and Track Demand
Meaning & Analysis
In the Four Colour Quartets series, Mel Bochner investigates the relationships between different colour hues through a methodical arrangement of shapes. Each quartet serves as a standalone study of colour interactions, with the compositions typically featuring a series of concentric squares or rectangles that shift in colour from the centre outward or vice versa.
The geometric precision in the arrangement of the shapes adds a structural dimension to the works, emphasising the considered nature of colour theory application. The visual tension between adjacent colours and the impact of colour on spatial perception are key elements explored in these works. The viewer’s eye is drawn to navigate through the layers of colours, experiencing shifts in visual weight and temperature, thus engaging in a silent dialogue with the artwork.
