Lot 251
  • 251

HOWARD HODGKIN | Swimming

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Sir Howard Hodgkin
  • Swimming
  • signed with initials, dated 2011 and titled on the reverse 
  • acrylic on foam board
  • 38 by 30cm.; 15 by 11¾in.

Condition

The foam board appears sound. The four corners are very slightly rounded and there are a small number of tiny indents to the extreme edges, only visible upon very close inspection and when unframed. There is an extremely faint horizontal scratch towards the centre of the lower edge and a very faint scuff towards the lower right corner. Subject to the above, the work appears in excellent overall condition. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Twelve leading British artists were invited to design the official London 2012 Olympics posters.  Howard Hodgkin was amongst those who contributed, along with Bridget Riley, Michael Craig-Martin, Tracey Emin, Martin Creed, Gary Hume, Rachel Whiteread, Chris Ofili, Sarah Morris, Fiona Banner, Bob and Roberta Smith, and Anthea Hamilton.  Swimming was widely regarded as the most successful poster.  Jonathan Jones in The Guardian commented, ‘But to see Howard Hodgkin, grand old man of sensuous painters, reach into the deep blue to create a dreamlike metamorphosis of athlete and water, the diver and the pool, is beautiful. This is more poetry than mere poster.’ (Jonathan Jones, The Guardian, 4th November 2011).  While Ben Luke in the Evening Standard commented: ‘Michael Craig-Martin’s is perhaps the most striking – vivid colour with a stark, exhilarating message. But for sheer visual pleasure and clarity, Howard Hodgkin’s Swimming, a tumble-turn captured in a few swathes of sumptuous blue, wins the day.’ (Ben Luke, Evening Standard, 4th November 2011)