Another specialist another hot seat. This time, it’s Sales Director and American Pop specialist Louisa Earl taking on Roy Lichtenstein. Louisa has spent years trading Lichtenstein works and advising collectors, giving her a front-row view of one of the most closely watched markets in American Pop.
Q1. Was Lichtenstein the ultimate plagiarist?
Picasso said, "Great artists steal."
Q2. Most misunderstood thing about his work?
That it's all about comic books.
Q3. One word to describe Roy Lichtenstein?
Fun.
Q4. First Lichtenstein you ever sold?
I want to say Composition IV.
Q5. First Lichtenstein you ever fell in love with?
Q6. Drowning Girl or Whaam?
Q7. Crying Girl or Brushstroke?
Q8. Most iconic Lichtenstein?
Q9. Is Whaam! actually his masterpiece?
Depends who you ask.
Q10. Did Lichtenstein invent Pop Art?
Depends who you ask again.
Q11. Is Lichtenstein a better artist than Warhol?
For some people.
Q12. Which series do you think history will value more highly 100 years from now?
Maybe the Reflections.
Q13. Which work changed his career forever?
I don't know. Would have to look it up probably.
Q14. Which print should be worth more?
The Mermaid.
Q15. If money were no object, which print would you buy?
Q16. Does edition number matter?
Sometimes.
Q17. Most difficult Lichtenstein to value?
Probably the enamel works.
Q18. Hardest Lichtenstein to replace?
Equally, the enamel works.
Q19. Which print do collectors ask for most?
Definitely the Nude series.
Q20. Biggest myth about collecting Lichtenstein?
That it is too pricey to get started.
Q21. Biggest mistake collectors make in the Lichtenstein market?
It's a bit mean to criticise collectors, isn't it?
Q22. Biggest red flag when buying?
Condition.
Q23. Biggest condition issue?
Faded colours.
Q24. Rarest Lichtenstein you ever handled?
I've only ever handled one Mermaid.
Q25. Which Lichtenstein belongs in ever serious collection?
Q26. Auction or private sale?
Private sale. Always.
Q27. Rip-off or genius?
Love that. Genius.
Q28. Comic artist or Fine artist?
Fine artist.
Q29. Who did he copy the best?
Himself.
Q30. Lichtenstein most women buy?
Q31. Lichtenstein most men buy?
Q32. Favourite nude?
Q33. Favourite landscape?
Q34. Has the Reflection series had it's moment?
Not yet.
Q35. Finish this sentence: Every Lichtenstein collector should...
Only buy what they love.
Q36. Which print do collectors regret not buying 10 years ago?
The Reflections and the Nudes.
Q37. Who did Mao better?
Warhol.
Q38. Was Lichtenstein or Warhol the better draughtsman?
Good question.
Q39. Did Lichtenstein copy comics or transform them?
Transformed them.
Q40. Which Lichtenstein makes collectors smile every time?
Water Lilies.
Q41. Gemini or Tyler?
For Lichtenstein – Gemini.
Q42. Mirror or Brushstroke?
Brushstroke.
Q43. If you could ask Lichtenstein one question what would it be?
What was New York like in the 80s?
Q44. Who is Lichtenstein's modern day comic book blonde?
Margot Robbie, maybe?
Q45. Who is today's Drowning Girl?
Better not say.
Q46. If you could live in one Lichtenstein interior, which would you choose?
Q47. The subject matter Lichtenstein depicted best?
In 3D – the female profile.
Q48. You've got £15,000. What are you buying?
Mirror series.
Q49. If you had £30,000?
Q50. £250,000, what are you buying?
A Nude.
