Roy Lichtenstein The Couple (C. 175), from the Expressionist Woodcut Series For Sale

Edition

Edition of 50 plus 13 AP

In 1978, Roy Lichtenstein explored the renowned Rifkind Collection of German Expressionist prints at UCLA, engaging with collector Robert Gore Rifkind. Influenced by this encounter, Lichtenstein's subsequent works in the following years drew inspiration from the likes of Heckel, Kirchner, Schmidt-Rottluff, and other prominent figures of the Expressionist period. Opting for the woodcut technique, a favored medium among the Expressionists, Lichtenstein's series pays homage to the movement while retaining his distinctive style. Although the resulting images echo iconic prints and incorporate compositional elements from the era, Lichtenstein refrains from direct references, staying true to his signature approach. This series marks a departure for the artist in terms of both color palette and methodology, as he departs from the familiar primary colors and dots prevalent in his earlier graphic works to emulate the emotive essence of Expressionism.