Roy Lichtenstein

Date of Birth: October 27, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 29, 1997

Biography

Roy Lichtenstein was an American pop artist born on October 27, 1923, in New York City. He is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to the Pop Art movement, which emerged in the 1960s. Lichtenstein’s work is noted for its use of parody and was often inspired by comic strips, advertisements, and other popular culture elements. His distinctive style is characterized by bold colors, Ben-Day dots, and thick black outlines, mimicking the aesthetic of commercial printing processes. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Lichtenstein completed his studies at Ohio State University, where he later taught. His early work included various styles, but it was in the early 1960s that he began to explore and develop his signature pop art technique. One of his most famous works, “Whaam!” (1963), is an iconic representation of his comic book style, depicting a fighter jet firing a rocket. Lichtenstein’s art was groundbreaking in its challenge to traditional boundaries between high and low art. His work often sparked debate about the nature of art and originality, especially as he recreated and appropriated existing images from mass media. Over his career, he had numerous solo exhibitions and his works are held in major museums and collections worldwide. Roy Lichtenstein passed away on September 29, 1997, in New York City due to complications from pneumonia. His legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and his works remain highly sought after in the art market.

5 Interesting Facts about Roy Lichtenstein

1. Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” (1962) sold for $165 million in 2017, making it one of the most expensive pop art pieces ever sold.

2. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1995 by President Bill Clinton.

3. Lichtenstein’s work “Look Mickey” (1961) is often considered the piece that launched his career in pop art.

4. He collaborated with several other famous artists, including Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg.

5. Despite criticism for copying comic book panels, Lichtenstein often altered them significantly to fit his artistic vision.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roy Lichtenstein

1. “Pop Art looks out into the world. It doesn’t look like a painting of something, it looks like the thing itself.”

2. “I want my image to look as though it had been programmed. I want to hide the record of my hand.”

3. “I think my paintings are critically transformed, but it would be difficult to prove it by any rational line of argument.”

4. “The closer my work is to the original, the more threatening and critical the content.”

5. “I like to pretend that my art has nothing to do with me.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Roy Lichtenstein’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million, largely from the sale of his artworks and royalties.

Children

Roy Lichtenstein had two children with his first wife, Isabel Wilson: David Hoyt Lichtenstein and Mitchell Lichtenstein. David is an investment banker, while Mitchell is an accomplished actor, director, and writer.