Norman Lear's Investment: Hockney Painting's Value Soars from $78,000 to Potential $35 Million

A David Hockney painting purchased by Norman Lear, a well-known US screenwriter and producer, for $78,000 is now predicted to sell for as much as $35 million at an auction.

The painting, titled "A Lawn Being Sprinkled," will be included in an auction featuring items from the collection of Norman Lear and Lyn Davis Lear. The entire collection is expected to generate over $50 million in sales, as stated by Christie's auction house.

Lear purchased a Hockney painting in 1978 for a price that was considered record-breaking at the time, as stated by the auction house. However, today, the artist's most valuable pieces are selling for tens of millions of dollars, a significant increase from the tens of thousands they used to sell for.

The painting, which was made in 1967, is done in acrylic on canvas and depicts several sprinklers spraying water on a green lawn. In the background, there is a gray building and a fence.

It is the top lot in a collection which also features Ed Ruscha’s painting “Truth,” as well as works by Willem de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg and Ellsworth Kelly.

Hockney paintings "A Bigger Splash" (left) and "A Lawn Being Sprinkled."

Hockney paintings "A Bigger Splash" (left) and "A Lawn Being Sprinkled."

Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images

Christie's described Lear as "the most important television producer in history," famous for creating shows like "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times." He passed away at the age of 101 in his home in Los Angeles in December.

According to Max Carter, vice chairman of 20th and 21st-century art at Christie's, the art collection of Norman and Lyn reflects the same innovative spirit as Lear's iconic television shows. Their collection is characterized by a blend of thought-provoking ideas and exceptional craftsmanship.

Hockney, 86, is one of the world’s most popular living artists.

Norman Lear pictured in 2020.

Norman Lear pictured in 2020.

Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Hockney was born in Bradford, northern England. In 1964, he traveled to California and spent many years there, creating some of his most famous artworks.

One of his well-known pieces, "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" from 1972, set a record in 2018 when it sold for $90.3 million at auction. This marked the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist at that time.

Editor's P/S:

The dramatic increase in the value of David Hockney's paintings is a testament to his enduring influence and the growing recognition of his work. The sale of "A Lawn Being Sprinkled" for an estimated $35 million is a significant milestone, reflecting the artist's stature as one of the most celebrated living artists of our time. Hockney's innovative use of color and perspective, combined with his exploration of themes such as sexuality and identity, has captivated audiences for decades.

Norman Lear's collection, which includes works by Hockney, Ed Ruscha, and other renowned artists, offers a glimpse into the discerning taste of one of the most influential figures in television history. Lear's passion for art, much like his groundbreaking work in television, is a testament to his creative spirit and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. The upcoming auction promises to be a major event, showcasing the intersection of art, entertainment, and the legacy of two cultural icons.