Preliminary identification

David Hockney 'Nichols Canyon' Exhibition Poster, 1988

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is an original vintage exhibition poster published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art for David Hockney's landmark 1988 retrospective. It features a high-quality reproduction of his famous 1980 landscape painting 'Nichols Canyon', depicting his daily drive through the Hollywood Hills in vibrant, Fauvist-inspired colors.

Story

In 1980, David Hockney returned to painting landscapes after a long period of working with photography. His daily drive through the winding roads of Nichols Canyon inspired this explosion of color, capturing the kinetic energy of Los Angeles.

Maker / Origin

David Hockney is one of the most influential and celebrated British artists of the 20th century, central to the 1960s Pop Art movement. Known for his versatile experimentation with painting, photography, and digital art, his works capturing Southern California life have become iconic symbols of the region's mid-century aesthetic.

Condition & Value

The poster appears to be in very good condition with strong, unfaded colors. It is mounted behind glass in a sturdy blue metal frame, which has protected the paper from dust and physical wear. Some minor scuffs to the frame are visible but do not detract from the overall presentation.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.