Roy Lichtenstein American, 1923-1997
64 x 52 cm
As I Opened Fire is a dynamic triptych by Roy Lichtenstein, first created in 1964. This work exemplifies Lichtenstein's signature Pop Art style, drawing inspiration from comic book imagery to comment on mass media and popular culture.
The triptych portrays an intense battle scene, capturing the moment a fighter plane unleashes its weapons. Each panel is filled with vibrant primary colours, bold black outlines, and Ben-Day dots, mimicking the printing techniques of mid-20th-century comic strips. The accompanying onomatopoeic words like "BRAT!" and "WHAM!" enhance the dramatic effect, immersing the viewer in the action.
In 1966, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam published an offset lithograph edition of this triptych to commemorate Lichtenstein's work. This edition was produced in a limited run of 3,140 sets, with each set comprising three panels measuring approximately 24 x 19.2 inches (61 x 49 cm) each. Notably, some of these prints were hand-signed by Lichtenstein such as the piece we have available.
The signed editions of As I Opened Fire are particularly sought after in the art market. Their value is influenced by factors such as condition, provenance, and the presence of the artist's signature. These prints not only showcase Lichtenstein's innovative approach to art but also serve as significant pieces of Pop Art history.
Today, As I Opened Fire remains a powerful example of Lichtenstein's ability to elevate everyday visual culture into the realm of fine art, challenging traditional distinctions between high and low art forms.
Provenance
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)
As I opened fire (Triptych), 1966
Three Offset Lithographs in colour on wove paper
Published by Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam as a reproduction of the painting by the same name from their collection
Hand signed in pencil lower right, from an edition of 3000
Sheet: 63x53cm each
Provenance Private Collection, U.K.
Condition: Excellent
Roy Lichtenstein was a key figure in the American Pop Art movement, which emerged in the US alongside artists like Jasper Johns, James Rosenquist, Claes Oldenburg, and Andy Warhol. He developed a distinctive and iconic style that incorporated imagery from advertisements, comics, and everyday life, aiming to replicate the mechanical and commercial look of printed materials through meticulous rendering of Ben-Day dots using paint and stencils. Lichtenstein’s cartoon aesthetic turned him into a household name.
The Pop Art movement challenged traditional subject matter and artistic approaches by drawing inspiration from popular culture and mass media. Through the use of easily recognizable imagery from everyday life, Pop Art blurred the boundaries between "high" and "low" art, marking a significant shift in the trajectory of modernism.
The present work, titled "As I Opened Fire," is inspired by a 1964 oil and magna canvas housed at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. It is based on a reimagined sequence from a comic book by Jerry Grandenetti in DC Comics, where Lichtenstein altered the panels to create a seamless cinematic effect. The artwork captures three brief moments in an aerial combat scene, connected by onomatopoeic words representing the sounds of battle, implying a continuous narrative flow. The absence of clear distinctions between friend and foe reflects the chaotic nature of war.
Lichtenstein was drawn to the emotionally charged yet impersonal portrayal of war found in comic books. He aimed to give his paintings a machine-like quality, devoid of human touch, despite being meticulously painted by hand. The artist intended for his war-themed artworks to satirize military aggression, highlighting the absurdity of conflict. While acknowledging the terrifying aspects of foreign policy, Lichtenstein emphasized that his art focuses on American visual culture and communication rather than political commentary
By incorporating elements of mass culture and consumerism into his art, Lichtenstein and his contemporaries challenged the conventions of traditional art and brought a new perspective to the art world. His innovative approach to blending high and low culture continues to influence artists and audiences to this day.