From an early age Roy Lichtenstein had a passion for science and comic books. In his teens he became interested in art and grew his interest with watercolor classes at Parsons School of Design. He later attended Ohio State University, but his studies were interrupted in 1943 when Lichtenstein was drafted and sent to Europe in WWII. Upon his return from the war, Lichtenstein started his career as a Pop artist. Inspired by comic strips, in 1961 he arrived at a mature Pop art style, but his work was greeted with accusations of banality and lack of originality. Although the initial response to his work was negative, Lichtenstein is now known as a leading figure for the Pop Art movement and his iconic images have become synonymous with Pop art. His method of creating images from mechanical reproductions and drawing by hand became a central aspect to understand the Pop Art movement. However, Lichtenstein’s art did not stop here. Wanting to grow, he began experimenting with less narrative work and more abstract pieces. Bicentennial Print, from the portfolio America: The Third Century is a good example of how his work transformed. The abstract patterns and bright colors fit perfectly into the Pop art style, and the compositional subject matter shows Lichtenstein’s genius as a famous artist.

This portfolio of prints demonstrates the depth and breadth of art making in 1976 America. Commissioned for the 1976 celebration of the American Bicentennial, it includes works by James Rosenquist, Robert Rauschenberg, Allan D’Arcangelo, William Bailey, Edward Ruscha, Christo, James Brooks, Costantino Nivola, Velox Ward, Raymond Saunders, Robert Andrew Parker, and Ben Schonzeit.