Reflections on Expressionist Painting
from the Carnegie Hall 100th Anniversary portfolio
Medium: Screen-print in encaustic wax and magna in colors on Saunders Waterford paper
Year: 1990
Image: 57 7/8 x 37 7/8 inches (147 x 96.2 cm)
Sheet: 59 1/4 x 39 3/8 inches (150.4 x 100 cm)
Edition: 60
Artist’s Proofs: 15 AP
Publisher: Fine Art Ltd., St. Louis, 1991 for the benefit of Carnegie Hall, New-York
Literature: Corlett 255, RLCR 3988
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil
This is one of seven prints in the portfolio published in 1991 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Carnegie Hall. Contributing artists were George Baselitz, Alex Katz, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Mitchell, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers, and Edward Ruscha. The project was coordinated by Olivia Motch, Lichtenstein’s administrative assistant.
The portfolio is housed in a black reinforced case by Fiberbilt, New York, with Carnegie Hall anniversary logo screenprinted in gold on the front. The introductory essay by Ruth E. Fine and documentation sheets for each artist’s work are contained in an envelope attached to the top protective board inside the case.
Reflections on Expressionist Painting exemplifies Roy Lichtenstein’s signature blend of pop art and abstract expressionism. The composition features bold brushstrokes in blue and white, superimposed on a background of dotted patterns and geometric shapes, referencing both his own iconic comic strip style and the techniques of expressionist painting. The juxtaposition of thick, fluid strokes with Lichtenstein’s characteristic use of Ben-Day dots creates a dynamic interplay between structured and freeform elements. The reflective aspect of the work is emphasized through the layering of shapes and textures, inviting viewers to explore the tension between spontaneity and precision. The color palette, including reds, blues, and blacks, adds to the graphic and modern appeal of the piece, celebrating both the history of painting and Lichtenstein’s innovative approach to pop art.
Auction Results
Pop Impressions: Prints from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 40,960
AUCTION RECORD FOR REFLECTIONS ON EXPRESSIONIST PAINTING
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (Corlett 255; RLCR 3988), 1990
from The Carnegie Hall 100th Anniversary Portfolio
Screenprint in encaustic wax and Magna in colors on Saunders Waterford paper
Signed in pencil, dated ’90 and inscribed AP 13/16
This impression is one of 16 artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 60
With the blindstamp of the printer, Saff Tech Arts
Published by Fine Art Ltd., for the benefit of Carnegie Hall
And with the printer’s inkstamp on the verso
XXXXXXXXXX
Koller Zurich: 27 November 2025
Estimated: CHF 15,000 – 20,000
CHF 26,000 (Hammer)
CHF 32,500 / USD 40,465
AUCTION RECORD FOR REFLECTIONS ON EXPRESSIONIST PAINTING
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 New York City 1997)
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (Corlett 255), 1990
From the 7-part portfolio “The Carnegie Hall 100th Anniversary”
Color screenprint on Saunder Waterford paper
Edition: 21/60
Signed and dated in pencil lower right: rf Lichtenstein ’90
With the stamped workshop number and artist’s copyright stamp on the reverse
Published by Fine Art Ltd., St. Louis
Germann Zurich: 25 June 2025
Estimated: CHF 15,000 – 20,000
CHF 24,000 (Hammer)
CHF 30,000 / USD 37,470
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997 (US))
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (Corlett 255), 1990
Color silkscreen in encaustic wax and Magna on Sanders Waterford paper
P.P. I/II. Signed and dated lower right: rf Lichtenstein ’90
Printer’s embossed stamp.
Verso copyright stamp: RL90-001, 1990 Roy Lichtenstein, Saff Tech Arts
Swann Galleries: 5 June 2025
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 23,750
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (Corlett 255), 1990
Color screenprint in encaustic wax and magna on Saunders Waterford paper
One of only 5 presentation proofs
Aside from the published edition of 60
Signed, dated, inscribed “presentation proof” and numbered 2/5 in pencil, lower right
With the artist’s ink stamp, verso
XXXXXXXXXX
Larsen Art Auction: 20 April 2024
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 27,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (American 1923-1997)
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (C. 255), 1990-1
Screenprint with encaustic wax and magna on 638 gram Saunders Waterford paper
Ed. 5 of 60
Signed and dated in pencil rf Lichtenstein ’90, lower right
XXXXXXXXXX
Sotheby’s London: 19 March 2020
Estimated: GBP 10,000 – 15,000
GBP 18,750 / USD 21,960
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
REFLECTIONS ON EXPRESSIONIST PAINTING (C. 255), 1990
Screen-print in colors with encaustic wax and magna
Signed in pencil, dated, numbered 33/60
XXXXXXXXXX
Phillips New-York: 24 April 2018
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 32,500
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (C. 255), 1990
Screen-print in encaustic wax and magna in colors on Saunders Waterford paper
Signed, dated and annotated ‘B.A.T.’ in pencil
The Bon-a-tirer (Good to print) proof
Sotheby’s London: 27 March 2018
Estimated: GBP 10,000 – 15,000
GBP 16,250 / USD 23,010
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (C. 255), 1990
from The Carnegie Hall 100th Anniversary Portfolio
Screenprint in colors with encaustic wax and magna
Signed in pencil, dated, numbered 23/60
XXXXXXXXXX
Christie’s New-York: 26 April 2011
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 37,500
AUCTION RECORD FOR REFLECTIONS ON EXPRESSIONIST PAINTING
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Reflections on Expressionist Painting (C. 255), 1990
from The Carnegie Hall 100th Anniversary Portfolio
Screenprint in encaustic wax and manga in colors on Saunders Waterford
Signed and dated in pencil, annotated ‘STA proof 1/2’
An archive proof, the edition was 60 plus 16 artist’s proofs