
Paper plates, set of thirteen
1969
This exceptional set of thirteen paper plates, created by Roy Lichtenstein in 1969, perfectly encapsulates the artist's groundbreaking approach to artmaking. Each plate features a vibrant screenprint in primary colors, red, blue, and yellow, against a cream background, punctuated by his iconic Ben-Day dots. The dynamic, swirling motif, evocative of a stylized brushstroke or a powerful wave, demonstrates Lichtenstein's ability to imbue everyday objects with profound artistic energy. This choice of a disposable medium, the paper plate, is a deliberate statement, elevating the mundane to the realm of fine art and directly engaging with the consumer culture that defined the Pop Art movement. Produced during a pivotal moment in the late 1960s, a period marked by experimentation and a blurring of art and life, these plates are more than mere decorative items. They represent a sophisticated commentary on mass production and the ephemerality of modern existence, subjects central to Lichtenstein's oeuvre. By applying fine art techniques, specifically screenprinting, to a disposable object, he challenged traditional hierarchies of art and craft, questioning what truly constitutes a valuable art object. The presentation as a set of thirteen further emphasizes the seriality inherent in both commercial production and Lichtenstein's artistic process, offering a cohesive yet individually striking collection. This particular ensemble stands as a compelling testament to Lichtenstein's innovative spirit and his enduring influence on contemporary art.
- Medium
- Screenprint in colors on paper plate
- Location
- Wright, Chicago, United States
🔨 Auction Lot
Wright: 20|21 Art: The Chicago Edition (July 2022)
July 14, 2022
Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000
Lot 172
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