Print Report Focus: Roy Lichtenstein

Prints and editions, often underestimated by the media, are increasingly important in the art world, with a significant number of items sold at auction in the past decade. This market shows great potential, making it an attractive starting point for new collectors. Roy Lichtenstein's prints, characterised by their bold colours, comic book-inspired motifs, and meticulous technique, have garnered significant attention from both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. As such, delving into Lichtenstein's print market not only offers a chance to acquire pieces from a renowned artist but also provides insight into the broader trends shaping the contemporary art market.

Roy Lichtenstein Overview

Born in New York City in 1923, Roy Lichtenstein's artistic journey began at Ohio State University. Influenced by Picasso's Guernica and his military experience, Lichtenstein emerged as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement of the early 1960s, challenging conventional artistic conventions. His distinctive creations, characterised by Ben Day dot patterns and comic book imagery, often served as critiques of American media stereotypes.

Lichtenstein's artworks are showcased worldwide, commanding record-breaking prices, such as the sale of "Masterpiece" for $165 million in 2017. The average auction price for his prints has soared by 204% since 2000, with a 2.6% increase observed from 2022 to 2023.

Roy Lichtenstein Print Sales by Region

Since 2018, Roy Lichtenstein's prints have fetched the highest average sale price at auctions in the UK, averaging ￡50,993. Europe, including Switzerland, Italy, and France, followed with an average of ￡18,713, and the US with ￡16,553. Germany and Japan had considerably lower average sale prices at ￡10,163 and ￡8,077, respectively.

In terms of total turnover from print sales, the US led with ￡26.2m, followed by the UK with ￡15.4m. Germany's total was ￡2.8m, while Switzerland, Italy, and France combined for ￡1.95m.

The US also had the highest number of print lots sold at auction since 2018, with 1,587 lots. The UK ranked third with 303 lots, closely trailing the combined total of Switzerland, France, and Italy, which sold 390 lots. Germany and Japan followed with 279 and 104 print lots sold, respectively.

Case Study: Crying Girl

Roy Lichtenstein's "Crying Girl" delves into the complexities of female identity in the 1960s. Beyond its comic-like appearance, the artwork captures the emotional turmoil and societal pressures women faced in their quest for equality. Despite its glamorous exterior, the subject portrays distress, reflecting the struggles many women endured, especially in male-dominated relationships. Influenced by the comic strip "Secret Hearts," the painting sheds light on relationship dynamics of the era. As one of Lichtenstein's iconic works, "Crying Girl" poignantly reveals the hidden challenges behind the veneer of perfection.

For more in depth analysis on Roy Lichtenstein's prints, download our latest Print Report Vol. 02 here: https://maddoxgallery.com/art-investment-reports.

Written by Giovana Edid, Maddox Director of Research, Data and Analytics, is a passionate art researcher and analyst with twelve years of experience in the international art investment sector. Her areas of expertise include economic analysis of the marketplace, examination protocols, professional appraisals adhering to provenance due diligence and the USPAP standards.