American Indian Theme II
American Indian Theme II
Signed Print
Roy Lichtenstein
£5,500-£8,500
$11,500-$18,000 Value Indicator
$10,000-$16,000 Value Indicator
¥50,000-¥80,000 Value Indicator
€6,500-€10,000 Value Indicator
$60,000-$90,000 Value Indicator
¥1,090,000-¥1,690,000 Value Indicator
$7,500-$11,500 Value Indicator
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82 x 95cm, Edition of 50, Woodcut
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Meaning & Analysis
Roy Lichtenstein’s American Indian Theme II belongs to the artist’s American Indian Theme series of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Constituting a small yet distinct part of his infamously pop inclined creative output, this series ties stylistically in with the artist’s overarching enterprise.
Lichtenstein’s characteristic collage sensibility is reflected in his American Indian Theme II, on account of the work’s complex layout. The composition unites simplified shapes resembling desert vegetation, weaponry and quillwork. The disposition is centralised and elevated through a playful colour scheme. American Indian Theme II evidently employs the strong graphic nature of Native American imagery to its fullest and makes a good fit for Lichtenstein’s own bold style.
Painting cliché infused subjects from American history allowed Lichtenstein to engage with topics of origin and belonging. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the artist sought to primarily ridicule these widely distributed images depicting Native American heritage. However, living next to the Shinnecock Indian reservation near Southampton for many years enabled the artist to acquaint himself with not only its governing traditions, but many of its residents. As a result, his ironic and unapologetic visuals also stand as a testament to his fondness and appreciation of his neighbours from the reservation.