Offset lithograph in colours on three sheets of wove paper
A very rare pencil-signed copy. Only a few life-time impressions were signed by Roy Lichtenstein himself. Also with the printed details on the reverse.
Sheet: 64 x 53 cm; 25 1/4 x 20 7/8 in
Image: 61.2 x 50 cm; 24 1/8 x 19 3/4 in
Framed:
From the unnumbered edition of 3,140. Printed by Drukkerij Luii & Co., Amsterdam. Published by Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam.
'As I Opened Fire’ stands out as one of the most iconic examples of Lichtenstein's Comic Strip Art from the 1960s. During this period, the artist dedicated himself to developing...
'As I Opened Fire’ stands out as one of the most iconic examples of Lichtenstein's Comic Strip Art from the 1960s. During this period, the artist dedicated himself to developing a visual language that could be universally understood, aiming to shift art from an exclusive realm into an accessible, everyday pleasure. Alongside fellow American artists of the 1960s Pop generation, Lichtenstein incorporated imagery from newspaper advertisements, roadside billboards, and notably, the immensely popular adventure comic strips of the era.
The comic strip style of these works, featuring familiar imagery, quickly gained public appreciation, despite facing skepticism and dismissal from some intellectual art critics who questioned their classification as 'Art.' These pieces have since become renowned as some of the most iconic examples of mid-20th century 'Pop Art.' Their use of simplified forms and vibrant color patterns contributed to elevating public awareness of art into the realm of highly sophisticated modern imagery and style.
A pivotal moment in Lichtenstein's international recognition occurred when the Stedelijk Museum in Schiedam, Netherlands, acquired the celebrated triptych painting 'As I Opened Fire'. In his pursuit of a 'popular appeal' for his art, he granted the museum permission to produce lithograph versions of his painting. For Lichtenstein, the priority was introducing art to a wider audience in a novel way.