Name: The Carpenter's Bench, A Knife And Fire
Brand: David Hockney
Rating: 5 (234 reviews)

Track auction value trend

The value of David Hockney's The Carpenter's Bench, A Knife And Fire, a signed etching from 1969, is estimated to be worth between £1,400 and £2,050. This work has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 7%. This piece has an auction history of eight total sales since its entry to the market in October 2004. Over the past 12 months, the average selling price was £1,500 across one total sale. In the last five years, the hammer price has ranged from £1,032 in June 2022 to £1,500 in October 2024. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 100.

Auction Date

Auction House

Location

Hammer Price

Return to Seller

Buyer Paid

October 2024

Sworders

United Kingdom

June 2022

AAG: Arts & Antiques Group

Netherlands

November 2017

Germann Auctions

Switzerland

August 2017

Shapiro Auctioneers

Australia

October 2016

Bernaerts Auctioneers

Belgium

April 2006

Christie's London

United Kingdom

October 2005

Bonhams New Bond Street

United Kingdom

Meaning & Analysis

David Hockney's The Carpenter's Bench, A Knife And Fire is an etching created in 1969, measuring 15.3 x 17.2 cm. Part of the series Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm, this signed and numbered edition of 100 depicts a knife on a carpenter's bench with rising flames. Hockney employs etching with aquatint and drypoint techniques in this work, which illustrates a scene from the Brothers Grimm tale “The Boy Who Left Home to Learn Fear”.

Hockney's etching demonstrates his innovative approach to printmaking in this period. The composition juxtaposes the solid form of the knife against ethereal, swirling flames, creating a sense of tension and mystery. Hockney's use of fine lines in the etching process, combined with the tonal variations achieved through aquatint, results in a visually complex image within the small format.
he artwork is significant within Hockney's oeuvre as it represents his exploration of narrative themes through traditional printmaking methods. Created during a prolific phase in his career, it exemplifies his ability to reinterpret classic stories through a contemporary lens. The Illustrations For Six Fairy Tales From The Brothers Grimm series, to which this piece belongs, showcases Hockney's skill in translating literary imagery into visual art.

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.