Still Life
Still Life
Signed Print
Roy Lichtenstein
£9,000-£13,500
$18,000-$27,000 Value Indicator
$17,000-$25,000 Value Indicator
¥80,000-¥130,000 Value Indicator
€10,500-€15,000 Value Indicator
$90,000-$140,000 Value Indicator
¥1,870,000-¥2,800,000 Value Indicator
$12,000-$18,000 Value Indicator
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91 x 91cm, Edition of 50, Screenprint
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Meaning & Analysis
Roy Lichtenstein was commissioned to create his Still Life of 1968 for The Metropolitan Scene portfolio. The limited collection comprised five prints in total, all manufactured on aluminium by renowned contemporary artists. Lichtenstein’s contribution to the portfolio is a mechanical still life rendition in lively yellow and green. Although the print embraces the decorative qualities of still life painting, it was executed according to a pronounced commercial aesthetic.
In creating this print, the artist was evidently influenced by the art historical significance of still life motifs. Still Life’s composition incorporates traditional floral shapes but puts a distinct pop spin on the centuries-old genre. The print’s calculated and centralised imagery is entirely devoid of the usual ambiance and underlying meaning of its source material. Instead, the artist employs geometric forms, captured through the means of mass-printing. As a result, the work becomes a contrastive portrait of nature versus machinery.
Still Life reflects a contemporary, almost lyrical, equivalent to traditional modes of depiction. The print unites stylistic conventions abstracted from Cubism, Art Deco and Constructivism. As such, it sets a precedent for Lichtenstein’s Modern Head series from 1970. Additionally, the print’s playful cartoon layout also serves as the inspiration for Lichtenstein’s Six Still Lifes of 1974.