Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997)Crying Girl (Corlett II.1)
Offset lithograph in colours, 1963, on wove paper, signed and dedicated 'To Harry Abrams' in pencil, from the edition of an unknown size, published by Leo Castelli Gallery, New York, the full sheet, framed
Image 436 x 590mm (17 3/16 x 23 1/4in)
Sheet 455 x 610mm (17 15/16 x 24in)FootnotesAmerican Pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein is renowned for his early pop style and the innovative use of Ben-Day-dots, which were inspired by commercial print techniques. Lichtenstein's approach to art was deeply rooted in the consumer culture and mass media of the 1960s, as he sought to elevate everyday objects and images into high art.
As Lichtenstein aptly put it: Although almost anything seemed to be fair subject matter for art, commercial art and particularly cartooning were not considered to be among those possibilities. Yet, Lichtenstein challenged these traditional notions of what was considered suitable for art, embracing commercial art and cartooning as legitimate sources of inspiration. He employed techniques borrowed from the world of advertising and popular culture to create visually striking and impactful artworks, as can be seen in the upcoming lots in the sale.
The depiction of women in Lichtenstein's artwork became a recurring theme throughout his career, drawing inspiration from both comic book heroines and the idealized female figures prevalent in advertisements of the time. In his signature style, Lichtenstein uses bold outlines, vibrant colours, and Ben-Day-dots to exaggerate his portrayals of women, and further emphasise the printed reproduction techniques employed in the media.
In Crying Girl, one of the most sought-after of his early subjects, the distressed woman's tearful expression and exaggerated emotions evoke a sense of melodrama. The print presents a snapshot of a larger narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the work and create their own interpretations surrounding the story. The work exemplifies Lichtenstein's ability to distil complex narratives into a single moment whilst retaining the playful and whimsical feel attributed to his works.
The three lots in the sale (Lots 57-59) are brilliant examples of Lichtenstein's early prints, employing his hallmark primary colours or a limited colour palette to add to the overall visual intensity of his work, capturing attention and drawing viewers into the composition.
Read MoreAdditional informationAuction informationBuyers' ObligationsALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.Buyers' Premium and ChargesFor all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows: Buyer's Premium Rates
28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.Payment NoticesFor payment information please refer to the sale catalog.Shipping NoticesFor information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.Lot Symbols*Import low rateVAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.Related DepartmentsPrints & MultiplesAuction ViewingsLondon, New Bond Street24 June 2023, 11:00 - 17:00 BST25 June 2023, 11:00 - 17:00 BST26 June 2023, 09:00 - 18:00 BST27 June 2023, 09:00 - 12:00 BSTConditions of SaleView Conditions of Sale
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997)Crying Girl (Corlett II.1)
Offset lithograph in colours, 1963, on wove paper, signed and dedicated 'To Harry Abrams' in pencil, from the edition of an unknown size, published by Leo Castelli Gallery, New York, the full sheet, framed
Image 436 x 590mm (17 3/16 x 23 1/4in)
Sheet 455 x 610mm (17 15/16 x 24in)FootnotesAmerican Pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein is renowned for his early pop style and the innovative use of Ben-Day-dots, which were inspired by commercial print techniques. Lichtenstein's approach to art was deeply rooted in the consumer culture and mass media of the 1960s, as he sought to elevate everyday objects and images into high art.
As Lichtenstein aptly put it: Although almost anything seemed to be fair subject matter for art, commercial art and particularly cartooning were not considered to be among those possibilities. Yet, Lichtenstein challenged these traditional notions of what was considered suitable for art, embracing commercial art and cartooning as legitimate sources of inspiration. He employed techniques borrowed from the world of advertising and popular culture to create visually striking and impactful artworks, as can be seen in the upcoming lots in the sale.
The depiction of women in Lichtenstein's artwork became a recurring theme throughout his career, drawing inspiration from both comic book heroines and the idealized female figures prevalent in advertisements of the time. In his signature style, Lichtenstein uses bold outlines, vibrant colours, and Ben-Day-dots to exaggerate his portrayals of women, and further emphasise the printed reproduction techniques employed in the media.
In Crying Girl, one of the most sought-after of his early subjects, the distressed woman's tearful expression and exaggerated emotions evoke a sense of melodrama. The print presents a snapshot of a larger narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the work and create their own interpretations surrounding the story. The work exemplifies Lichtenstein's ability to distil complex narratives into a single moment whilst retaining the playful and whimsical feel attributed to his works.
The three lots in the sale (Lots 57-59) are brilliant examples of Lichtenstein's early prints, employing his hallmark primary colours or a limited colour palette to add to the overall visual intensity of his work, capturing attention and drawing viewers into the composition.
Read MoreAdditional informationAuction informationBuyers' ObligationsALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.Buyers' Premium and ChargesFor all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows: Buyer's Premium Rates
28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.Payment NoticesFor payment information please refer to the sale catalog.Shipping NoticesFor information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.Lot Symbols*Import low rateVAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.Related DepartmentsPrints & MultiplesAuction ViewingsLondon, New Bond Street24 June 2023, 11:00 - 17:00 BST25 June 2023, 11:00 - 17:00 BST26 June 2023, 09:00 - 18:00 BST27 June 2023, 09:00 - 12:00 BSTConditions of SaleView Conditions of Sale
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