David Hockney, the celebrated British artist known for his vibrant Pop art and iconic swimming pool paintings, died on June 11 at age 88 at his home in London. The article lists his most expensive works sold at auction, including "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" which sold for $90.3 million at Christie's New York in 2018, "Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy" which sold for $44.4 million in November 2024, "Nichols Canyon" which sold for $41 million at Phillips New York in 2020, and "The Splash" which sold for £23.2 million at Sotheby's London in 2020.
The article matters because it documents the enduring market value of Hockney's work at a moment of his passing, highlighting how his paintings continue to command some of the highest prices in the contemporary art market. His record-setting auction results underscore his status as one of the most commercially successful British artists of the 20th century, with his pool series and double portraits remaining particularly sought-after by collectors and institutions alike.