Arcadia
4 works
Bridget Riley Nineteen Greys A For Sale
Bridget Riley
Nineteen Greys A, 1968
76 x 76
height 29 7/8 in height 76 cm
Edition
Edition of 75
About this work
Created in 1968, Bridget Riley’s *Nineteen Greys* series is a masterful exploration of tonal variation, using subtle gradations to evoke depth and a sense of motion. In each of the four screen prints, Riley meticulously arranges 19 distinct shades of grey in a precise, ordered formation, inviting viewers to engage with the nuances of tone as they shift across the surface. Though monochromatic, the prints give an impression of dynamic movement, as the gradation of greys seems to ripple and flow, creating a tension between flatness and spatial illusion. This optical play exemplifies Riley’s ability to achieve powerful effects with simplicity and precision.Riley’s skill in handling tonal shifts allows her to create a mesmerizing visual rhythm that captivates the eye, even without the use of color. The gradual shifts between the shades in each piece lend the prints a three-dimensional quality, as certain greys appear to advance while others recede. This careful manipulation of light and shadow echoes Riley’s broader body of work, where she often employs slight variations in form and hue to explore how perception can be altered by the arrangement of basic visual elements. *Nineteen Greys* is thus a study in how minimalism can yield intricate optical illusions that evoke a strong sense of movement.Through *Nineteen Greys*, Riley reaffirms her position as a leading figure in Op Art, pushing the boundaries of perception with a restrained and carefully balanced palette. Each print in this series encourages viewers to look closely, observing the almost imperceptible transitions between tones that give rise to a sense of spatial depth. These works are quintessentially Riley, embodying her ceaseless dedication to experimenting with visual perception, form, and tonal precision. The series highlights her talent for transforming simple gradations into immersive experiences, where grey becomes more than a color—it becomes a shifting, almost kinetic presence.
Price on Application
Auction History
Nineteen Greys · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2024-10 · $20,160
Nineteen Greys (a - d) · Bridget Riley · Sotheby's · 2024-09 · $30,319
Untitled (B), from: Nineteen Greys · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2023-09 · $11,664
Untitled (A), from: Nineteen Greys · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2023-09 · $12,724
Untitled (C), from: Nineteen Greys · Bridget Riley · Christie's · 2023-09 · $12,724
More from this series
More series by Bridget Riley
About the Nineteen Greys Series
Explore Bridget Riley's acclaimed Nineteen Greys series, a landmark collection showcasing the British artist's mastery of optical abstraction and colour theory. Created during a pivotal period in Riley's career, these works demonstrate her systematic exploration of grey tonalities and their perceptual possibilities through carefully orchestrated compositional structures.
Each piece in the series—including Nineteen Greys A, B, C, and D—exemplifies Riley's signature approach to geometric abstraction, where subtle variations in form and tone create dynamic visual experiences that challenge perception itself. Working primarily with gouache and ink on paper, Riley establishes a rigorous methodology that has influenced generations of contemporary artists and remains highly sought after by serious collectors.
The Nineteen Greys series represents a pivotal moment in Riley's practice, bridging her earlier kinetic works with her later investigations into colour as a primary subject. These pieces have consistently appreciated in value and continue to command significant market attention.
Contact us to enquire about availability and pricing for works from this important series.
About Bridget Riley
Bridget Riley
Life and Practice
Bridget Riley (b. 1931, Norwood, London) is one of the foremost figures in twentieth-century abstract painting, internationally celebrated as a pioneer of Op Art. Educated at Goldsmiths College and the Royal College of Art, Riley spent time teaching before dedicating herself fully to painting in the early 1960s. Her early work — strict geometric compositions in black and white that induce powerful perceptual effects of motion, vibration, and depth — established her as a key innovator in art's engagement with visual perception. Movement in Squares (1961) and Fall (1963) are among the most celebrated works of the period, and remain among the defining images of British postwar art.Riley was awarded the International Prize for Painting at the 1968 Venice Biennale, cementing her international reputation. From the late 1960s, she began introducing colour into her work, working first with carefully limited Egyptian palettes and later a full range of hues, exploring stripe-based and diagonal compositions in which colour interaction becomes the primary subject. Her series including Orphean Elegy, The Seasons, and Rajasthan demonstrate the sustained rigour and beauty of this investigation. She continues to work from studios in London and Cornwall.