Roy Lichtenstein

The complete set of six mixed media prints, five printed in colors, 1973, each signed in pencil, dated and numbered 31/100, printed and published by Gemini G. E. L., Los Angeles, with their blindstamp recto and ink stamp verso, on Arjomari paper, each framed (6 prints)

The prints are in good condition; the sheets are full and the colors are fresh. There are remains of prior hinges along the edges of each sheet verso, occasionally with associated skinning. Imperfections on individual prints are as follows: Bull II (C. 117) with stray ink verso. Bull III (C. 118) with occasional minute fox marks in the yellow. Bull I, IV, V & VI (C. 116, 119-121) with minute and unobtrusive foxing verso. The dimensions of each sheet are listed here: C. 116: 686 by 889 mm 27 by 35 in C. 117: 686 by 888 mm 27 by 35 in C. 118: 685 by 890 mm 27 by 35 in C. 119: 685 by 888 mm 27 by 35 in C. 120: 686 by 888 mm 27 by 35 in C. 121: 685 by 888 mm 27 by 35 in
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Roy Lichtenstein’s Bull Profile Series (Lot 293) marks a stage in his career in which he reinterpreted the work of iconic modern artists in his own, now familiar vernacular.  From 1962 – 1967, Lichtenstein produced his iconic comic book-inspired prints, such as Crying Girl (Lot 287), Crak! (Lot 309) and Sweet Dreams Baby! (Lot 310).  By 1967, as a newly appointed professor at the University of California Irvine, the artist/professor turned his attention to revisiting the works of past masters such as Claude Monet (the Haystack and Cathedral Series from 1969) and Piet Mondrian with Modern Art Poster, 1971 (Lot 288) in his now popularized Ben-Day dot aesthetic, which was reminiscent of advertising printing techniques.                                                                                                                  

Coinciding with Pablo Picasso’s death in 1972, Lichtenstein explored the progression from representation to abstraction, echoing Picasso’s 11 state Bull Series (Bloch 389), executed between 1945 and 1946, and illustrated with the lot in the printed catalogue.