Lichtenstein, Roy

Lichtenstein, Roy (lik'tunstīn") [key], 1923–97, American painter, b. New York City. A master of pop art, Lichtenstein derived his subject matter from popular sources such as comic strips. His paintings reflect modern typographic and printing techniques such as Ben-Day dots and make innovative use of commonplace imagery. Among Lichtenstein's sophisticated and ironic works are Flatten … sandfleas (1962; Mus. of Modern Art, New York City) and Preparedness (1968; Guggenheim Mus.). His work of the 1970s largely consisted of ironic reinterpretatons of well-known paintings by famous painters. His paintings of the 1980s and 90s (“brush stroke paintings”), which often include both real and simulated brush strokes, are typified by the large canvas Figures in a Landscape (1986). Liechtenstein is also noted for his brightly colored Pop graphics.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print