Growing up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Lichtenstein was a frequent visitor of the American Museum of Natural History. He showed particular interest in the Hall of Northwest Coast Indians from a young age. It wasn’t before the early 1950s, however, that he decided to expand on this fascination further, through his art. Employing a somewhat abstract, and at times even Cubist style, he revised the tribal myths and symbols he came upon.
In the American Indian Theme series, Roy Lichtenstein rearranges elements derived from three-dimensional objects associated with Native American culture. These compositions were influenced, in part, by Lichtenstein’s experiences in Southampton during the late 1970s, where he and his wife lived near a Shinnecock Indian reservation. The American Indian Theme series amalgamates loose references to indigenous artifacts like totem poles, textiles, beadwork, quillwork, ceramics, and baskets, blending them with a visual style inspired by contemporary printed materials. This amalgamation bridges two seemingly disparate facets of American culture.
Except for one woodcut in 1970 titled Modern Head #1, the American Indian Theme series represents Roy Lichtenstein’s return to using the medium of woodcut since the 1950s. This series, initiated in the spring of 1979, revisits a subject Lichtenstein explored in his earlier career—depictions of the American Indian, infused with surrealist elements. The six prints in this series closely correlate with the ten American Indian/Surrealist paintings he created during the same year. Each print in the series is produced from hand-carved blocks, with American Indian Theme IV incorporating lithography for the white background.
Roy Lichtenstein may have drawn additional inspiration from the collections of his artist friends, including Jasper Johns, Frank Stella, and Donald Judd, who were known to acquire Native American blankets for their own artistic endeavors. During the creation of this print, Lichtenstein was experimenting with novel combinations of motifs, departing from his previous artistic approaches.
American Indian Theme Series, 1980
American Indian Theme Series, 1980
6 Prints / 408 Impressions
American Indian Theme I-VI
The complete set of six woodcuts
Medium: Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Varying dimensions
Largest Sheet: 37 3/8 x 50 3/8 inches (95×128 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18 AP
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd.
Literature: Corlett 160-165, Tyler 346-351
Each signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
1. American Indian Theme I (Corlett 160)
2. American Indian Theme II (Corlett 161)
3. American Indian Theme III (Corlett 162)
4. American Indian Theme IV (Corlett 163)
5. American Indian Theme V (Corlett 164)
6. American Indian Theme VI (Corlett 165)
2026 Auction Results
American Indian Theme III, 1980
Pop Impressions: Prints from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 32,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme III, from the American Indian Theme series (Corlett 162; RLCR 2873), 1980
Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and inscribed AP 4
This impression one of 18 artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 50
With the blindstamp of the publisher, Tyler Graphics, Ltd.
American Indian Theme II, 1980
Christie’s online: 26 February 2026
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 10,795
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme II, 1980
(Corlett 161; Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné 2872; Tyler 347)
from American Indian Theme Series
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 47/50
(there were also eighteen artist’s proofs)
Published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New York, with their blindstamp
2025 Auction Results
American Indian Theme III, 1980
Christie’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 19,050
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme III (Corlett 162), 1980
From American Indian Theme series
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 31⁄50
(there were also eighteen artist’s proofs)
American Indian Theme I, 1980
Bukowskis Stockholm: 20 May 2025
Estimated: SEK 80,000 – 100,000
SEK 115,000 (Hammer)
SEK 143,750 / USD 14,830
Woodcut
Signed in pencil and numbered AP II
2024 Auction Results
American Indian Theme V, 1980
Rago: 4 June 2024
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 7,560
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
American Indian Theme V (from the American Indian Theme series), 1980
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘6/50 Roy Lichtenstein 80’ with publisher’s blindstamp
2023 Auction Results
American Indian Theme II, 1980
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 10,795
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme II (C. 161), 1980
Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 47/50
American Indian Theme III, 1980
Grisebach Berlin: 24 September 2023
Estimated: EUR 10,000 – 12,000
EUR 12,700 / USD 13,545
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme III, from American Indian Theme Series
Color woodcut on Japan paper
Signed and dated in pencil, annotated AP 12
One of 18 Artist’s Proofs from a total edition of 73 copies
American Indian Theme IV, 1980
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2023
Estimated: USD 5,000 – 7,000
USD 6,985
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme IV, 1980
Woodcut and lithograph printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 43/50
American Indian Theme IV, 1980
Rago: 29 March 2023
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 10,080
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
American Indian Theme IV (from the American Indian Theme Stories series), 1980
Woodcut and lithograph in colors on handmade Suzuki
Signed, dated and numbered to lower right ‘41/50 Roy Lichtenstein ’80’
American Indian Theme V, 1980
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 7,620
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme V (C. 164), 1980
Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 20/50
American Indian Theme V, 1980
Bonhams LA: 3 October 2023
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 10,880
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 13/50
American Indian Theme VI, 1980
Bonhams LA: 3 October 2023
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 11,520
Color woodcut on handmade white Suzuki paper
Numbered, signed, and dated ’27/50 rf Lichtenstein ’80’ in pencil
American Indian Theme I-VI, 1980
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2023
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 69,850
COMPLETE SET
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme I-VI, 1980
The complete set of six woodcuts printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Each signed in pencil, dated and numbered 7/50
American Indian Theme I
American Indian Theme I
from American Indian Theme Series
Medium: Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Image: 24 1/4 x 24 1/8 inches (61.9 x 61.3 cm)
Sheet: 32 3/4 x 32 inches (78.1 x 81.3 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18 AP
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New-York
Literature: Corlett 160, RLCR 2871
American Indian Theme I, 1980 (RLCR 2871) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Bukowskis Stockholm: 20 May 2025
Estimated: SEK 80,000 – 100,000
SEK 115,000 (Hammer)
SEK 143,750 / USD 14,830
Woodcut
Signed in pencil and numbered AP II
Rago: 19 May 2021
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 9,000
USD 27,500
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ’35/50 R. Lichtenstein 80′
American Indian Theme II
American Indian Theme II
from American Indian Theme Series
Medium: Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Image: 24×28 inches (61.1 x 71.1 cm)
Sheet: 32 3/4 x 37 3/4 inches (83.2 x 95.9 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18 AP
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New-York
Literature: Corlett 161, RLCR 2872
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Christie’s online: 26 February 2026
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 10,795
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme II, 1980
(Corlett 161; Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné 2872; Tyler 347)
from American Indian Theme Series
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 47/50
(there were also eighteen artist’s proofs)
Published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New York, with their blindstamp
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 10,795
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme II (C. 161), 1980
Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 47/50
Freeman’s Hindman: 5 May 2021
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 9,000
USD 16,250
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (American, 1923–1997)
American Indian Theme II (from American Indian Theme Series), 1980
Woodcut in colors on Suzuki handmade paper
Signed, dated, and numbered 14/50 in pencil
Bonhams New-York: 30 October 2020
Estimated: USD 14,000 – 18,000
USD 17,575
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 12/50
American Indian Theme III
American Indian Theme III
from American Indian Theme Series
Medium: Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Image: 26 3/8 x 19 inches (67 x 48.3 cm)
Sheet: 35×27 inches (88.9 x 68.6 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18 AP
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New-York
Literature: Corlett 162, Tyler 348, RLCR 2873
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Pop Impressions: Prints from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 32,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme III, from the American Indian Theme series (Corlett 162; RLCR 2873), 1980
Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and inscribed AP 4
This impression one of 18 artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 50
With the blindstamp of the publisher, Tyler Graphics, Ltd.
Christie’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 19,050
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme III (Corlett 162), 1980
From American Indian Theme series
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 31⁄50
(there were also eighteen artist’s proofs)
Grisebach Berlin: 24 September 2023
Estimated: EUR 10,000 – 12,000
EUR 12,700 / USD 13,545
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme III, from American Indian Theme Series
Color woodcut on Japan paper
Signed and dated in pencil, annotated AP 12
One of 18 Artist’s Proofs from a total edition of 73 copies
Christie’s New-York: 15 September 2021
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 17,500
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme III, from American Indian Theme Series
Woodcut in colors on Suzuki handmade paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 37/50
Freeman’s Hindman: 5 May 2021
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 17,500
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (American, 1923–1997)
American Indian Theme III (from American Indian Theme Series), 1980
Woodcut in colors on Suzuki handmade paper
Signed, dated, and numbered 30/50 in pencil
American Indian Theme IV
American Indian Theme IV
from American Indian Theme Series
Medium: Woodcut and lithograph printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Image: 28 3/8 x 28 inches (72.1 x 71 cm)
Sheet: 37×36 inches (93.9 x 91.6 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New-York
Literature: Corlett 163, RLCR 287
Each signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2023
Estimated: USD 5,000 – 7,000
USD 6,985
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme IV, 1980
Woodcut and lithograph printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 43/50
Rago: 29 March 2023
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 10,080
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
American Indian Theme IV (from the American Indian Theme Stories series), 1980
Woodcut and lithograph in colors on handmade Suzuki
Signed, dated and numbered to lower right ‘41/50 Roy Lichtenstein ’80’
American Indian Theme V
American Indian Theme V
from American Indian Theme Series
Medium: Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Image: 23 1/8 x 33 1/4 inches (58.7 x 84.4 cm)
Sheet: 30 3/8 x 39 3/8 inches (77.1 x 100 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New-York
Literature: Corlett 164, RLCR 2875
American Indian Theme V, 1980 (RLCR 2875) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Rago: 4 June 2024
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 7,560
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
American Indian Theme V (from the American Indian Theme series), 1980
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘6/50 Roy Lichtenstein 80’ with publisher’s blindstamp
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 7,620
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme V (C. 164), 1980
Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 20/50
Bonhams LA: 3 October 2023
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 10,880
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 13/50
Bonhams London: 13 December 2022
Estimated: GBP 7,000 – 10,000
GBP 8,925
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed, dated and numbered 47/50 in pencil
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 11,250
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (American, 1923-1997)
American Indian Theme V (from American Indian Theme Series), 1980
Color woodcut
Signed, dated, and numbered 5/50 in pencil
Christie’s New-York: 7 March 2017
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 9,375
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme V, from American Indian Theme
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed, numbered and dated ’33/50 Roy Lichtenstein 80′ (lower margin)
American Indian Theme VI
American Indian Theme VI
from American Indian Theme Series
Medium: Woodcut printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Year: 1980
Image: 29 5/8 x 42 3/8 inches (75.2 x 107.6 cm)
Sheet: 37 5/8 x 50 inches (95.6 x 127 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 18
Publisher: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, New-York
Literature: Corlett 165, RLCR 2876
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Bonhams LA: 3 October 2023
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 11,520
Color woodcut on handmade white Suzuki paper
Numbered, signed, and dated ’27/50 rf Lichtenstein ’80’ in pencil
Christie’s New-York: 25 October 2018
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 16,250
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
American Indian Theme VI, from American Indian Theme
Woodcut in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 22/50
Complete Sets
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2023
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 69,850
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
American Indian Theme I-VI, 1980
The complete set of six woodcuts printed in colors on handmade Suzuki paper
Each signed in pencil, dated and numbered 7/50