The portrait of Isherwood and Bachardy by Hockney goes to auction on November 17, 2025, at Christie’s New York, with an official estimate of $40–60 million and a complex provenance history.
Hockney Auction: what makes this portrait of Isherwood and Bachardy so relevant?
The 1968 painting depicts Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy seated in two identical armchairs. It is one of the seven “double portraits” that Hockney created between 1968 and 1975. The monumental scale and rigorous composition make it emblematic of the artist’s American period.
Furthermore, the canvas has become a reference point in the debate on identity and representation. Consequently, each of its public appearances attracts critical and collector attention.
Why do the provenance and the previous Sotheby’s of 1985 influence the value of the work?
The painting was presented at Sotheby’s in 1985 but did not reach the reserve and remained unsold. Subsequently, Gilbert de Botton purchased it privately in the same year for $562,500, a figure documented in archival notes. That event added a note of mystery that has fueled its profile on the secondary market.
According to some archival sources, the canvas was linked to Andrew Crispo’s batch at the time. At that time, works from his gallery were seized by Rosenthal and Rosenthal, a creditor involved in civil proceedings. However, the provenance published today by Christie’s does not mention either Crispo or the de Botton, and thus a documentary discrepancy persists.
What is the estimated price of the Hockney painting?
Christie’s has set an estimate between $40 and $60 million. The sale is covered by a third-party guarantee, meaning that the auction house and the guarantors have mitigated the realization risk for the seller.
The market reference remains the 2018 auction record when “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)” reached $90.3 million. That result remains the main parameter for evaluating expectations on large historical canvases by the artist.
How does this sale impact modern art collecting and the value of Hockney’s works?
The auctioning of a double portrait of this magnitude can redefine some price benchmarks for Hockney. If the lot achieves a price above the estimate, it is likely that the market will reassess large figurative formats from the same period.
Conversely, a realization below the estimate could trigger a revision of expectations for similar works, especially if provenance doubts or incomplete documentation persist.
What should potential bidders consider?
From a practical standpoint, complex provenances require greater due diligence. Institutional buyers tend to be more cautious when ownership transfers are not explicitly cited in official notes.
The rarity of a double portrait of this size attracts both museums and private collectors. However, the buyer’s premium and commissions can substantially increase the final cost for the buyer. Additionally, auction dynamics and bidding strategies seen at fairs can amplify price fluctuations.
Practical experience: what market operators observe
During high-level sales, consultants recommend verifying archival documentation and exhibition records. This case demonstrates that a recent exhibition history can strengthen bidders’ confidence. Moreover, guarantees and third-party covers often attract shadow bidders and institutional participants.
Finally, competitive pressure during auction evenings can quickly shift the hammer price compared to published estimates, especially for works considered iconic in the artist’s career.
What technical and curatorial elements will influence critical perception and bids?
Conservation conditions, presence in recent exhibitions, and the quality of scientific documentation matter. In this case, the work was included in the exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in 2025, an element that has updated its curatorial profile.
Detailed catalog materials and high-resolution images facilitate the due diligence of potential buyers and support more informed purchasing decisions.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
