Roy Lichtenstein

Leo Castelli Gallery, New York
Stephen Mazoh & Co., Inc., New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above in October 1992

This work is in good condition. There is evidence of faint skinning to the paper, which appears original as it is consistent to areas where it appears as though the artist reworked some areas. Otherwise, the work appears in very good overall condition and there are no apparent condition problems with this work. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.

Interiors was the first major body of work undertaken by Roy Lichtenstein in the 1990s.  A rebuttal of the types of excessive interiors that had graced the pages of  Architectural Digest  in the 1980s, works such as Interior with Three Hanging Lamps showcase uncluttered and idealized interiors in a highly graphic and stylized manner.

Lichtenstein had already investigated interiors in Bathroom (1964) and later in his Artist's Studio series (early 1970s), inspired by Matisse paintings. In the 1990s, he revisited this theme. Interior with Three Hanging Lamps exemplifies Lichtenstein's fascination with this topic. 

The interior is enriched with two paintings-within-a-painting, a device reaching far back into art history.  The more prominent painting is a depiction of a table-and-chairs arrangement which alludes ironically to the 'actual' interior.  The same grouping appears in a related work, Collage for Interior with Red Wall (Sotheby's, New York, May 11, 2006, lot 269).  The other painting is a sophisticated allusion to Lichtenstein's Modern Paintings series of the 1960s.

Compositionally, the diagonal layout emphasizes the spatiality of the interior, while at the same time primary colors and thick lines, constant elements in the artist's works, emphasize the two-dimensionality of the picture surface.