Renowned for his iconic comic strip aesthetics and dynamic “whaams” and “pows,” pop artist Roy Lichtenstein also delved into diverse artistic realms, including furniture design. A prime example is his Lichtenstein coffee table, a brass and glass piece crafted in the late 1960s, now being auctioned at Sotheby’s. This sale coincides with a major Lichtenstein retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Lichtenstein Coffee Table’s Unique Design
Keith Lebel, an assistant vice president in Sotheby’s contemporary art department, highlights, “This table represents an unusual foray into furniture design for him.” As part of Lichtenstein’s ‘Modern’ series from the 1960s, the furnishing features energetic geometric shapes, marked by D-shaped legs and horizontal bands, similar to his vibrant Art Deco motifs. It’s a true example of pop art design that exemplifies the artist’s style.
For those intrigued by Lichtenstein’s blend of art and furniture, Cass Saldanha’s Bookchair showcases a similar fusion of modernist design and functionality.
Produced in an edition of three, the piece was not merely an ornamental item; Lichtenstein and his wife Dorothy used it in their Southampton, New York, home. Lebel notes, “It was certainly a used object.”
Remarkably, other tables in the edition boast illustrious provenance. One belonged to famed gallerist Leo Castelli, acquired through a trade with Dan Flavin, while another found its way to artist Donald Judd in exchange for a sculpture, now residing in a private collection.
The item, known as the Modern, is featured in two sales derived from the personal collection of Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein, one being an online-only event. The piece is estimated to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000, making it an appealing acquisition for collectors seeking both accessible and notable pieces.
Sotheby’s offers collectors a special chance to obtain this unique Lichtenstein artifact, radiating with New York Art Deco glam. As Lebel remarks, it’s a rare opportunity to own a table that’s both “instantly recognizable and unusual.”
Similarly, explore the intersection of art and architecture with Studio DRIFT’s transformation of a Venetian resort, offering a dance of light and motion.
Sources & Links
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about Lichtenstein’s coffee table?
The Lichtenstein coffee table is unique because it represents an unusual foray into furniture design for the pop artist. It features energetic geometric shapes, D-shaped legs and horizontal bands, reflecting his vibrant Art Deco motifs.
Where is Roy Lichtenstein’s coffee table being auctioned?
Roy Lichtenstein’s coffee table is being auctioned at Sotheby’s.
Who has previously owned tables from Lichtenstein’s edition?
Previous owners include famed gallerist Leo Castelli, who acquired it through a trade with Dan Flavin, and artist Donald Judd, who acquired it in exchange for a sculpture.