Artist: Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997)
Title: "Chem 1A"
*Signed and dated by Lichtenstein in pencil lower right
Year: 1970
Medium: Original Screenprint on Special Arjomari paper
Limited edition: 32/100, (there were also 10 artist's proofs)
Printer: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, CA
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, CA
Reference: "The Prints of Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné 1948-1997" - Corlett No. 100, page 117; Gemini No. 248
Framing: Recently framed in a contemporary white maple moulding with double matting and Artglass AR 92 non-reflective 92% UV protection glass. All archival
Framed size: 36.38" x 26.63"
Sheet size: 30.13" x 20"
Image size: 24" x 14.25"
Condition: In excellent condition
Very rare
Notes:
Provenance: private collection - Newport Beach, CA; possibly acquired directly from the printer/publisher Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, CA. Numbered by Lichtenstein in pencil lower left. This work is related to Lichtenstein's 1970 "Peace Through Chemistry Series" portfolio of four works, (Corlett No. 96-99, page 115-117). Printed in 2 colors, in 2 runs, from 2 screens: yellow and black. Collaboration: Kenneth Tyler (project supervision); Jeff Wasserman (edition printing): Robert Dressen (assistance, edition printing). Gemini G.E.L. chop mark/blind stamp lower right. Gemini G.E.L. inkstamp and workshop number on verso lower left: "RL70-368". This artwork comes with a copy of "Roy Lichtenstein: Graphics, Reliefs, and Sculpture, 1969-1970" by John Coplans, the rare 1970, 66 page, paperback book which features "Chem 1A" on its front cover and was produced in a limited edition of 3,000 copies.
"Chem 1A" exemplifies many of Lichtenstein's most well-known characteristics, including the use of flat comic strip imagery, benday dots, and primary colors. The image was produced for the benefit of the University of California, Irvine, in conjunction with the exhibition "Roy Lichtenstein: Graphics, Reliefs, and Sculpture, 1969-1970" (October 27 - December 6, 1970). It also appeared on the cover of the exhibition catalogue.
