Roy Lichtenstein’s Modern Head series, created in the 1970s, stands as a critical dismantling of the history of Modern Art. This series represents a shift in Lichtenstein’s approach, moving away from mass-produced imagery towards the appropriation of stylistic conventions and specific works of Modern masters, including Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Mondrian. As a transitional figure between Modernism and Postmodernism, Lichtenstein recreated versions of Impressionist, Cubist, Art Deco, and German Expressionist works in his signature comic style. Despite the parody inherent in his work, Lichtenstein expressed admiration for the artists he referenced.
“The things I have apparently parodied I actually admire.”
The inspiration for the Modern Head series came from Alexei von Jawlensky’s Constructivist portrait heads exhibited in the 1968 Pasadena Art Museum’s Serial Imagery exhibition. Lichtenstein adopted Expressionist motifs from Jawlensky’s work, infusing them with his own Pop aesthetic to create original compositions.
Alexej von Jawlensky (1864 – 1941), Abstrakter Kopf (Abstract head)
The Modern Head series challenges Modern Art by presenting fine art portraits in the style of mass-produced comic illustrations. Drawing on Constructivist and Machine Art methods of depicting human figures with an industrial machine quality, Lichtenstein employed machine printing techniques such as dots and flat colors to create figures reminiscent of media images. Each work in the Modern Head series was produced using a distinct commercial printing process, including woodcut, lithography, line-cut, embossing, and die-cut paper overlay. The portfolio combines Art Deco and Cubist traditions of flat and curvilinear geometric planes with Lichtenstein’s characteristic bright, rich colors and schematic forms. These methods, along with dotted areas and regularized stripes, signify the tone and texture of printed material. In addition to a set of intricate Modern Head prints, Lichtenstein also created a limited number of Modern Head sculptures. These brass, wooden and steel structures came to be exhibited as public art pieces around the globe.
Modern Head Series, 1970
1. Modern Head #1 (Corlett 91)
2. Modern Head #2 (Corlett 92)
3. Modern Head #3 (Corlett 93)
4. Modern Head #4 (Corlett 94)
5. Modern Head #5 (Corlett 95)
SCULPTURAL WORKS NOT PART OF THE SERIES
6. Modern Head Relief
7. Untitled Head #1
1. Modern Head #1 (Corlett 91)
2. Modern Head #2 (Corlett 92)
3. Modern Head #3 (Corlett 93)
4. Modern Head #4 (Corlett 94)
5. Modern Head #5 (Corlett 95)
6. Modern Head Relief
NOT PART OF MODERN HEAD SERIES
7. Untitled Head #1
NOT PART OF MODERN HEAD SERIES
Untitled Head I
Medium: Brass sculpture, on a brass-plated machined steel base
Year: 1970
Dimensions: 25 1/4 x 9 x 6 inches (64.1 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm)
Edition: 75
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Gemini 209, see Corlett p.27
Incised with signature, date and numbered on a copper plaque affixed to the underside
Modern Head #1 (C. 91)
Modern Head #1
from Modern Head Series
Medium: Woodcut in colors on Japanese Hoshi paper, with full margins
Year: 1970
Image: 20 1/8 x 12 1/2 inches (51.1 x 31.8 cm)
Sheet: 24 1/4 x 19 inches (61.5 x 48.3 cm)
Edition: 100
Artist’s Proofs: 7
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 91, Gemini 242
Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonne: RLCR 1876
Modern Head #1, 1970 (RLCR 1876) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Leland Little: 25 July 2025
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 20,000 (Hammer)
USD 24,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (American, 1923-1997)
Modern Head #1 from Modern Head Series, 1970
Woodcut in colors on Japanese Hoshi paper
Pencil signed, titled, and numbered 15/100
Christie’s New-York: 26 February 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 35,280
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #1, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 91), 1970
Woodcut in colors on Hoshi laid paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 32/100
Rago: 4 June 2024
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 17,640
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
Modern Head #1, 1970
Woodcut in colors on Japanese Hoshi
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘28/100 Roy Lichtenstein ’70’ with publisher’s blindstamp
John Moran: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 38,100
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #1, from the Modern Head Series, 1970
Woodcut in colors on Japanese Hoshi laid paper
Edition: 24/100 (there were also 7 artist’s proofs)
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: rf Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2024
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 20,320
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #1, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 91), 1970
Woodcut printed in colors on Japanese Hoshi paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 28/100
Phillips London: 8 June 2023
Estimated: GBP 10,000 – 15,000
GBP 21,590 / USD 26,869
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Modern Head #1, from Modern Head Series (G. 242, C. 91), 1970
Woodcut in colors on Japanese Hoshi paper, with full margins
Signed, dated and numbered 65/100 in pencil (there were also 7 artist’s proofs)
Modern Head #2 (C. 92)
Modern Head #2
from Modern Head Series
Medium: Lithograph and linocut in colors with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Year: 1970
Sheet: 24 1/4 x 18 1/4 inches (61.6 x 46.3 cm)
Edition: 100
Artist’s Proofs: 7
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 92, Gemini 243
Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonne: RLCR 1880
Modern Head #2, 1970 (RLCR 1880) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
Auction Results
Works from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 26 September 2025
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 21,590
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #2, from the Modern Head series (Corlett 92), 1970
Lithograph and line-cut in yellow and black with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed and dated ’70 (lower right); inscribed AP II (lower left)
One of 7 artist’s proofs in Roman numerals aside from the numbered edition of 100 in Arabic numerals
Christie’s New-York: 26 February 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 27,720
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #2, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 92), 1970
Lithograph and line-cut in yellow and black with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 20/100
(there were also seven artist’s proofs)
Rago: 12 February 2025
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 17,780
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
Modern Head #2 (from the Modern Head series) (Corlett 92), 1970
Lithograph and linecut with embossing on handmade Waterleaf
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘A/P V Roy Lichtenstein ’70’ with publisher’s blindstamp
An artist’s proof 5 of 7 apart from the edition of 100
Phillips London: 6 June 2024
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
GBP 15,240 / USD 19,431
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Modern Head #2, from Modern Head Series (G. 243, C. 92), 1970
Lithograph and line-cut in colors with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed, dated and numbered 15/100 in pencil (there were also 7 artist’s proofs)
Rago: 4 June 2024
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 16,380
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
Modern Head #2 (from the Modern Head Series), 1970
Embossed lithograph and line-cut in colors on Waterleaf handmade
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘100/100 Lichtenstein 70’ with publisher’s blindstamp
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2024
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 12,700
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #2, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 92), 1970
Lithograph and line-cut with embossing in colors on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 100/100
John Moran: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 16,510
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #2, from the Modern Head Series, 1970
Lithograph and linecut in colors with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Edition: 24/100 (there were also 7 artist’s proofs)
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: rf Lichtenstein
Hindman Chicago: 21 September 2023
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 22,680
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #2 (from the Modern Head series), 1970
2-color embossed lithograph and linecut on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed, dated, and numbered 87/100 in pencil
Christie’s New-York: 15 September 2021
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 23,750
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #2, from Modern Head Series, 1970
Lithograph and linocut in colors with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 58/100
Sotheby’s New-York: 22 April 2021
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 18,900
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #2 (Corlett 92), from Modern Head, 1970
Lithograph and line-cut in colors with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper,
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 13/100
Modern Head #3 (C. 93)
Modern Head #3
from Modern Head Series
Medium: Line-cut with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Year: 1970
Image: 20×14 inches (50.8 x 35.6 cm)
Sheet: 24 x 18 1/8 inches (61×46 cm)
Edition: 100
Artist’s Proofs: 7
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 93, Gemini 244
Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonne: RLCR 1882
Modern Head #3, 1970 (RLCR 1882) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp and inkstamp on the reverse
Auction Results
John Moran: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 13,970
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #3, from the Modern Head Series, 1970
Linecut with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Edition: 24/100 (there were also 7 artist’s proofs)
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: rf Lichtenstein
Bonhams LA: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 12,160
Line-cut with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 79/100
Christie’s New-York: 19 July 2022
Estimated: USD 7,000 – 10,000
USD 21,420
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #3, from Modern Head Series, 1970
Line-cut with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 23/100
Phillips New-York: 22 April 2021
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 9,000
USD 18,900
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Modern Head #3, from Modern Head Series (G. 244, C. 93), 1970
Linecut with embossing on handmade Waterleaf paper
Signed, dated and numbered 93/100 in pencil
Modern Head #4 (C. 94)
Modern Head #4
from Modern Head Series
Medium: Lithograph in colors on engraved and anodized alimunum
Year: 1970
Sheet: 20 3/4 x 17 1/4 inches (52.4 x 43.8 cm)
Edition: 100
Artist’s Proofs: 7
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 94, Gemini 245
Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonne: RLCR 1885
Modern Head #4, 1970 (RLCR 1885) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
With the artist’s incised signature and date on the reverse, with the publisher’s screen-printed copyright symbol on the reverse
Auction Results
Works from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 26 September 2025
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 27,940
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #4, from the Modern Head series (Corlett 94), 1970
Lithograph printed in colors on engraved and anodized aluminum
Incised with the artist’s signature, dated and inscribed A/P III (on the reverse)
One of 7 artist’s proofs in Roman numerals aside from the numbered edition of 100 in Arabic numerals
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 9,525
Incised signature, date and number to verso ‘rf Lichtenstein ’70 45/100’
K Auction Seoul: 23 July 2025
Estimated: KRW 12,000,000 – 70,000,000
KRW 27,600,000 / USD 19,980
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Modern Head #4, 1970
Lithograph on engraved and anodized aluminum
Edition 26/100
Signed, dated and numbered on the reverse
Christie’s New-York: 26 February 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 22,680
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #4, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 94), 1970
Lithograph in colors on engraved and anodized aluminum
With the artist’s incised signature and date on the reverse
Numbered 99/100 (there were also seven artist’s proofs)
Bukowskis Stockholm: 25 October 2023
Estimated: SEK 150,000 – 175,000
SEK 225,000 / USD 20,225
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Modern Head #4 from Modern Head Series, 1970
Lithograph on engraved and anodized aluminum
Signed R. Lichtenstein and numbered 7/100 on verso
Forum Auctions: 22 June 2023
Estimated: GBP 16,000 – 18,000
GBP 20,992 / USD 26,808
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #4, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 94), 1970
Lithograph printed in colors on engraved and anodized aluminum
Incised with signature, date and numbered from the edition of 100 verso
Heritage Auctions: 26 October 2022
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 21,250
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #4, from Modern Head Series, 1970
Lithograph in colors on engraved and anodized aluminum
Incised with signature and date on the reverse, numbered 18/100
Sotheby’s New-York: 10 December 2021
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 27,720
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #4 (Corlett 94), 1970
Lithograph printed in colors on engraved and anodized aluminum
Incised with the signature, dated and numbered 85/100
Christie’s New-York: 30 July 2020
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 20,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #4, from Modern Head Series, 1970
Lithograph in colors on engraved and anodized aluminum
With the artist’s incised signature and date on the reverse, numbered 60/100
Modern Head #5 (C. 95)
Modern Head #5
from Modern Head Series
Medium: Embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay
Year: 1970
Sheet: 27 7/8 x 19 3/8 inches (70.8 x 49.2 cm)
Edition: 100
Artist’s Proofs: 7
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 95, Gemini 246
Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonne: RLCR 1887
Modern Head #5, 1970 (RLCR 1887) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp and inkstamp on the reverse
Auction Results
Christie’s New-York: 26 February 2025
Estimated: USD 5,000 – 7,000
USD 16,380
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #5, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 95), 1970
Embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 93/100
(there were also seven artist’s proofs)
Rago: 4 June 2024
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 16,380
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
Modern Head #5 (from the Modern Head Series), 1970
Embossed graphite composition with die-cut paper overlay on Strathmore
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘79/100 R Lichtenstein ’70’ with publisher’s stamps
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2024
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 10,795
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head #5, from Modern Head Series (Corlett 95), 1970
Embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay and wood stretcher support
Lacking the white aluminum artist’s frame
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 51/100
John Moran: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 10,160
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head #5, from the Modern Head Series, 1970
Embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay
Edition: 75/100 (there were also 7 artist’s proofs)
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil in the lower margin: rf Lichtenstein
Bonhams LA: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 9,600
Embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut overlay
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 79/100
Bonhams London: 29 June 2022
Estimated; GBP 8,000 – 12,000
GBP 14,025 / USD 17,093
Embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut overlay
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered 72/100
Modern Head Relief
NOT PART OF MODERN HEAD SERIES
Modern Head Relief
from Modern Head Series
Medium: Brass multiple
Year: 1970
Sheet: 24 x 17 3/4 x 3/4 inches (61 x 45.1 x 19 cm)
Edition: 100
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Gemini 247
Not in Corlett
Incised signature and date on a copper plate on the reverse with the publisher’s blindstamp on the copper plate
Auction Results
Works from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 26 September 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 48,260
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head Relief, 1970
Brass relief sculpture
Incised with the artist’s signature, dated ’70 and numbered 6/100 (on a plaque affixed to the reverse)
This work is number 6 from the edition of 100 plus 5 trial proofs
Rago: 30 July 2025
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 35,560
Incised signature, date and number to verso ‘22/100 rf Lichtenstein ’70’
With impressed publisher’s stamp
Bukowskis Stockholm: 12 June 2025
SEK 170,000 (Hammer)
SEK 212,500 / USD 21,675
Signed Roy Lichtenstein and dated ’70
Numbered 29/100, on copper plate verso
Koller Zurich: 20 June 2024
Estimated: CHF 20,000 – 30,000
CHF 31,250 / USD 34,844
Edition 36/100
With the incised signature and date on a copper plate on the reverse: rf Lichtenstein ’70
Sotheby’s New-York: 4 March 2024
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 25,400
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Modern Head Relief (Gemini 247), 1970
Brass relief sculpture
Incised with the signature, dated and numbered 15/100 (on a plaque affixed to the reverse)
Christie’s New-York: 18 April 2019
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 47,500
AUCTION RECORD FOR MODERN HEAD RELIEF
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Modern Head Relief, 1970
Brass multiple
With incised signature and date on a copper plate on the reverse, numbered 68/100
Untitled Head #1
NOT PART OF MODERN HEAD SERIES
Untitled Head #I
Medium: Brass sculpture, on a brass-plated machined steel base
Year: 1970
Dimensions: 25 1/4 x 9 x 6 inches (64.1 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm)
Edition: 75
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Gemini 209, see Corlett p.27
Incised with signature, date and numbered on a copper plaque affixed to the underside
Auction Results
Christie’s online: 17 July 2024
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 37,800
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Untitled Head I, 1970
Brass
251/2 x 11 x 6 inches (64.8 x 27.9 x 15.2 cm)
Incised with the artist’s signature, numbered and dated ‘rf Lichtenstein 62/75 ’70’
(on a plate affixed to the underside of the base)
This work is number sixty-two from an edition of seventy-five
Phillips New-York: 20 April 2023
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 33,020
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Untitled Head I (G. 209, see C. p. 27), 1970
Brass sculpture, on a brass-plated machined steel base.
25 1/4 x 9 x 6 inches (64.1 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm)
Incised with signature, date and numbered 57/75 on a copper plaque affixed to the underside