Guy Hepner Gallery

Roy Lichtenstein Reclining Nude (C. 172), from Expressionist Woodcut Series For Sale

Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein - Reclining Nude (C. 172), from Expressionist Woodcut Series, 1980, Woodcut

Reclining Nude (C. 172), from Expressionist Woodcut Series, 1980

Woodcut

35 x 40 1/4 in 88.9 x 102.1 cm

About this work

Roy Lichtenstein’s Reclining Nude (1980), part of his Expressionist Woodcut Series, reflects the artist’s ongoing dialogue with the history of modern art while reaffirming his Pop sensibility. In this striking composition, Lichtenstein reimagines the traditional reclining nude motif through the lens of Expressionism and the mechanical precision of his own graphic style.The figure is reduced to bold, angular planes of color, with sharp black outlines carving out the form. Her face, framed by vibrant yellow hair, is fragmented into geometric shapes, conveying both vulnerability and intensity. Unlike his earlier depictions of women influenced by comic-strip aesthetics, here Lichtenstein embraces a more raw, sculptural quality—paying homage to German Expressionist woodcuts while simultaneously parodying their emotional earnestness.The nude’s posture, with one arm bent across her chest and head tilted against her hand, is reminiscent of classic artistic tropes of repose, yet Lichtenstein strips away naturalism in favor of abstraction. Her body becomes a construction of flat ivory fields, black contours, and striped hatching, oscillating between representation and stylization. This tension exemplifies Lichtenstein’s ability to both honor and critique the conventions of art history.The Expressionist Woodcut Series marked an important experiment in medium for Lichtenstein. By working in woodcut—a technique historically associated with rough-hewn, emotional imagery—he created a deliberate contrast with his own meticulous, controlled style. The clash between the traditionally handmade, textural quality of woodcuts and Lichtenstein’s clean, industrial aesthetic underscores his playful interrogation of artistic authenticity.In Reclining Nude, the balance of severity and sensuality captures the spirit of both Expressionism and Pop. The work illustrates Lichtenstein’s broader project of reframing art-historical genres—from the nude to landscape to still life—through his iconic visual language of hard edges, flat color, and irony.As part of an edition of 50 plus proofs, this work remains one of the most celebrated pieces of the Expressionist Woodcut Series. It demonstrates how Lichtenstein could transform a centuries-old artistic subject into a fresh, provocative image that bridges tradition and modernity.For more information or to buy Reclining Nude (1980) by Roy Lichtenstein, contact our galleries using the form below.

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Edition & Provenance

Year
1980
Medium
Woodcut
Edition
Edition of 50 plus 13 AP
Reclining Nude (C. 172), from Expressionist Woodcut Series

About Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein prints for sale and Roy Lichtenstein paintings for sale at Guy Hepner Gallery, New York. Our inventory spans lithographs, screenprints, and unique works from his most collected series: Brushstrokes, Reflections, Nudes, Interiors, Haystacks, Cathedral, Entablature, and American Indian Theme — all with full provenance and Corlett catalogue raisonné references. We also acquire Lichtenstein. Free valuations available.

Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997) is the defining figure of American Pop Art and one of the most actively traded artists on the post-war and contemporary market. His bold graphic language — Ben-Day dots, black outlines, primary palettes drawn from comic books and advertising — is among the most instantly recognisable in twentieth-century art. Born in New York City, he was exhibited by Leo Castelli Gallery from 1962 and worked until his death in September 1997, producing one of the most extensively documented print catalogues of any artist of his generation.

Roy Lichtenstein Art For Sale

Roy Lichtenstein art for sale spans signed prints, paintings, and unique works across his full catalogue. His most collected categories: signed and numbered screenprints and lithographs from the major series, unique works on paper, and large-format canvas paintings. The auction benchmark was set when Masterpiece (1962) sold for $165 million in a private transaction in 2017, and Nurse (1964) achieved $95.4 million at Christie's New York in 2015. Major print series regularly achieve $100,000–$2 million at Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips.

Roy Lichtenstein Prints For Sale

The most liquid and accessible segment of his market. Working with Gemini G.E.L., Petersburg Press, and Castelli Graphics, Lichtenstein produced lithographs, screenprints, woodcuts, and relief prints across three decades. Key series at Guy Hepner:

  • Brushstrokes (1965–66) — Pop satire of Abstract Expressionist gesture; his most conceptually celebrated series
  • Haystacks (1969) — Monet homage in Ben-Day dots and primary colour; his most decorative print subject
  • Cathedral — Rouen Cathedral reworked through his commercial-art graphic vocabulary
  • American Indian Theme (1980) — a major suite exploring Indigenous American motifs
  • Reflections (1988–94) — canvases-within-canvases; his most technically intricate prints; strongest late-career market
  • Nudes (1994–97) — figurative final series synthesising his full graphic vocabulary
  • Interiors (1990s) — consumer culture imagery from furniture and décor catalogues; a distinctly American subject
  • Peace Through Chemistry — Science and Technology series; bold, graphic, institutionally held

Signed impressions command significant premiums over unsigned editions. Corlett catalogue raisonné reference and publisher's certificate documentation are essential for any acquisition.

Roy Lichtenstein Original Art For Sale

Roy Lichtenstein original art for sale — unique paintings on canvas — represents the rarest category of his output. Major early canvases are primarily in institutional collections; secondary market appearances are concentrated at evening sales at Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips. Works on paper and preparatory drawings offer compelling opportunities for collectors seeking unique works with strong Lichtenstein provenance at more accessible price points.

Roy Lichtenstein Prints — Price Guide

  • Unsigned secondary series editions: $5,000–$25,000
  • Signed lithographs, Haystacks / Cathedral / American Indian Theme: $30,000–$150,000
  • Signed screenprints, Brushstrokes / Reflections / Nudes: $40,000–$500,000
  • Early 1960s single-sheet works and rare artist's proofs: $100,000+

Sell Roy Lichtenstein Prints — Free Valuation

Guy Hepner actively acquires Roy Lichtenstein prints, paintings, and works on paper from private collections. If you are looking to sell Roy Lichtenstein prints or seeking a current market valuation, contact our New York gallery for a confidential, no-obligation assessment. We handle all series including Brushstrokes, Reflections, Nudes, Haystacks, Cathedral, American Indian Theme, and Interiors.

Interested in adding Roy Lichtenstein to your collection? Contact Guy Hepner Gallery at 177 Tenth Avenue, New York to discuss current inventory and acquisition strategy.

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