Lichtenstein explored the Peace Through Chemistry theme in paintings, prints, and sculpture nearly simultaneously. At Gemini G.E.L., beginning in February 1969, he produced four prints, plus one bronze relief. For the Gemini prints, Lichtenstein started with a single collage drawing, which he altered for each print in the series.
Introduction
Created in 1970, Peace Through Chemistry is a portfolio of four screenprints (Corlett II.96–99) by Roy Lichtenstein that exemplifies his shift toward a cooler, more analytical form of Pop. The composition—built from schematic laboratory imagery, bold contours, and Ben-Day dots—remains strictly identical across all four plates, while only the color schemes change. This deliberate restriction transforms the series into a controlled visual experiment: each chromatic variation alters the balance between figure and ground, the emphasis of forms, and the overall legibility of the image. What appears at first as a stable, almost scientific diagram subtly shifts in perception from one version to the next, suggesting that even within a system defined by order and repetition, meaning is not fixed but contingent. The title itself, borrowed from mid-century corporate rhetoric, resonates differently under each palette, oscillating between optimism and quiet ambiguity.
In parallel to the prints, Lichtenstein developed a bronze version of Peace Through Chemistry, translating the same graphic composition into sculptural form. This shift in medium profoundly alters the work’s nature: what was originally conceived within the logic of mechanical reproduction becomes a weighted, tactile object associated with permanence and art historical tradition. The Ben-Day dots and linear structures, previously optical and printed, are rendered in relief, turning illusion into physical presence. This transformation introduces a deliberate tension between Pop’s language of mass production and the singular authority of sculpture. Where the prints engage with circulation, surface, and reproducibility, the bronze reads almost as a monument—less a promise of progress than a frozen reflection on it. Together, the two versions articulate a precise conceptual opposition, extending Lichtenstein’s inquiry into systems, media, and the fragile credibility of modern ideals.
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze, bronze multiple, 1971, published by Gemini G.E.L.
In 1969, Roy Lichtenstein began to work with Gemini G.E.L. on several series of prints. Lichtenstein began with the Haystack series, using the repetitive qualities of printmaking to explore Monet’s iconic image. He found through this and the Cathedral series, a chance to explore color in a controlled and flexible manner. He soon created the Peace Through Chemistry series, consisting of two lithographs, two lithographs with screen-print, and one cast bronze sculpture. The image shows Lichtenstein’s interest in the relationship between man and the quickly growing advancements in science and technology in the 1960s and 1970s.
Working with Gemini, Lichtenstein had the chance to use their technology to create these large-scale prints, over five feet wide each. Lichtenstein began exploring the idea of man and the advancement of technology by creating a collage, upon which all four prints, as well as the bronze, are based. In the series, we see the same basic image, altered by variations in line and in color. These changes give each work a different effect, while the crisp lines and color of each reflect the precision of technology. Lichtenstein’s use of line recalls the features of art deco architecture, and this aesthetic is emphasized in the bronze piece. It is perhaps no surprise with both the theme and scale of the works that Lichtenstein found similarities between Peace Through Chemistry and the W.P.A. murals of the 1920s and 1930s.
Peace Through Chemistry, 1970
The Peace Through Chemistry series consists of two lithographs, two lithographs with screen-print, and one cast bronze sculpture.
1. Peace Through Chemistry I (Corlett 96)
2. Peace Through Chemistry II (Corlett 97)
3. Peace Through Chemistry III (Corlett 98)
4. Peace Through Chemistry IV (Corlett 99)
5. Chem 1A (Corlett 100)
(Not part of the series)
6. Peace Through Chemistry (Bronze)
(Not part of the series)
2026 Auction Results
Peace Through Chemistry I, 1970
Christie’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 50,000 – 70,000
USD 101,600
NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR PEACE THROUGH CHEMISTRY I
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry I, from Peace Through Chemistry, 1970
(Corlett 96; Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné 1909; Gemini 190)
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 18⁄32
(there were also six artist’s proofs)
Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
With their blindstamps and ink stamp on the reverse
Peace Through Chemistry (Bronze), 1970
Christie’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 152,400
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze, 1970
(Corlett p. 27; Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné 1809; Gemini 222)
Bronze multiple
With the artist’s incised signature and date
Numbered 35⁄38
Published by Gemini, G.E.L., Los Angeles, 1971
With their incised blindstamp
2025 Auction Results
Peace Through Chemistry I, 1970
Pop Impressions: Prints from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
USD 50,800
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace Through Chemistry I (Corlett 96; RLCR 1909), 1970
From the Peace Through Chemistry series
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed in pencil, dated and inscribed A/P III
This impression is one of six artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 32
With the blindstamp of the publisher, Gemini G.E.L., and with their inkstamp on the verso
Peace Through Chemistry II, 1970
Karl & Faber: 5 June 2025
Estimated: EUR 30,000 – 40,000
EUR 48,260 / USD 55,015
ANDY WARHOL
Peace Through Chemistry II (Corlett 97), 1970
Colored lithograph and serigraph on wove paper
One of 43 numbered copies
Signed and dated lower right
Peace Through Chemistry (Bronze), 1971
Sotheby’s New-York: 28 February 2025
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 40,000
USD 57,150
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze (not in Corlett), 1971
Bronze multiple
Incised with the artist’s signature, stamped with the date and numbered 20/38 (along the right edge)
Peace Through Chemistry III, 1970
Christie’s New-York: 26 February 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 17,640
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry III, from Peace Through Chemistry Series (Corlett 98), 1970
Lithograph on Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil
Numbered 12/16 (there were also six artist’s proofs)
2024 Auction Results
Peace Through Chemistry IV, 1970
Rago: 16 October 2024
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 30,000
USD 32,760
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
Peace Through Chemistry IV (Corlett 99), 1970
Lithograph in colors on Special Arjomari
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘39/56 rf Lichtenstein 70’
Peace Through Chemistry IV, 1970
Freeman’s Hindman: 11 May 2024
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 22,860
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Peace Through Chemistry IV, 1970
Color lithograph on Special Arjomari paper
Pencil signed, dated and numbered 39/56 (there were also six artist’s proofs)
Workshop number ‘RL70-242’ inscribed in pencil beneath stamp
Chem 1A, 1970
Phillips London: 20 September 2024
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 10,160 / USD 13,485
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Chem IA, from Peace Through Chemistry Series (G. 248, C. 100), 1970
Screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed, dated and numbered 46/100 in pencil
2023 Auction Results
Peace Through Chemistry I, 1970
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
USD 69,850
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace through Chemistry I (C. 96), 1970
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed in pencil, dated and inscribed A/P VI
One of six artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 32
Peace Through Chemistry IV, 1970
Christie’s New-York: 8 March 2023
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 27,720
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry IV, from Peace Through Chemistry, 1970
Lithograph in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 42/56
2022 Auction Results
Peace Through Chemistry II, 1970
Grisebach: 2 December 2022
Estimated: EUR 40,000 – 60,000
EUR 56,250 / USD 54,562
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace through Chemistry II, 1970
Lithograph and silkscreen on heavy wove paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered in pencil
Peace Through Chemistry I
Peace Through Chemistry I
from Peace Through Chemistry
Medium: Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Year: 1970
Sheet: 37 13/16 x 63 1/2 inches (96 x 161.3 cm)
Image: 31 7/8 x 57 1/2 inches (81 x 146 cm)
Edition: 32
Artist’s Proofs: 6 AP
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Printer: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 96, RLCR 1909
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp and inkstamp on the reverse
Auction Results
Christie’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 50,000 – 70,000
USD 101,600
NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR PEACE THROUGH CHEMISTRY I
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry I, from Peace Through Chemistry, 1970
(Corlett 96; Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné 1909; Gemini 190)
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 18⁄32
(there were also six artist’s proofs)
Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
With their blindstamps and ink stamp on the reverse
Pop Impressions: Prints from the Collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein
Sotheby’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
USD 50,800
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace Through Chemistry I (Corlett 96; RLCR 1909), 1970
From the Peace Through Chemistry series
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed in pencil, dated and inscribed A/P III
This impression is one of six artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 32
With the blindstamp of the publisher, Gemini G.E.L., and with their inkstamp on the verso
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
USD 69,850
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace through Chemistry I (C. 96), 1970
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed in pencil, dated and inscribed A/P VI
One of six artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 32
Christie’s New-York: 24 April 2015
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 60,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry I, from Peace Through Chemistry, 1970
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered ‘A/P II’
One of 6 artist’s proofs, the edition was 32
Peace Through Chemistry II
Peace Through Chemistry II
from Peace Through Chemistry
Medium: Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Year: 1970
Sheet: 37 3/8 x 63 inches (95 x 160 cm)
Image: 31 7/8 x 57 1/2 inches (81 x 146 cm)
Edition: 43
Artist’s Proofs: 7 AP
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Printer: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 97, RLCR 1010
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp and inkstamp on the reverse
Auction Results
Karl & Faber: 5 June 2025
Estimated: EUR 30,000 – 40,000
EUR 48,260 / USD 55,015
ANDY WARHOL
Peace Through Chemistry II (Corlett 97), 1970
Colored lithograph and serigraph on wove paper
One of 43 numbered copies
Signed and dated lower right
Grisebach: 2 December 2022
Estimated: EUR 40,000 – 60,000
EUR 56,250 / USD 54,562
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace through Chemistry II, 1970
Lithograph and silkscreen on heavy wove paper
Signed in pencil, dated and numbered in pencil
Peace Through Chemistry III
Peace Through Chemistry III
from Peace Through Chemistry
Medium: Lithograph on special Arjomari paper
Year: 1970
Sheet: 37 3/4 x 63 9/16 inches (95.9 x 161.4 cm)
Image: 32 1/8 x 57 7/8 inches (81.6 x 147 cm)
Edition: 16
Artist’s Proofs: 6 AP
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Printer: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 98, RLCR 1911
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 12,000 – 18,000
USD 17,640
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry III, from Peace Through Chemistry Series (Corlett 98), 1970
Lithograph on Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil
Numbered 12/16 (there were also six artist’s proofs)
Rago: 19 May 2021
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 52,000
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry III (from Peace Through Chemistry Series), 1970
Lithograph on Special Arjomari paper
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ’10/16 Roy Lichtenstein 70′
Peace Through Chemistry IV
Peace Through Chemistry IV
from Peace Through Chemistry
Medium: Lithograph in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Year: 1970
Sheet: 30 x 49 15/16 inches (76.2 x 126.9 cm)
Image: 25 1/8 x 44 7/8 inches (63.8 x 114 cm)
Edition: 56
Artist’s Proofs: 6 AP
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Printer: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 99, Gemini 192, RLCR 1912
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp and inkstamp on the reverse
Auction Results
Rago: 16 October 2024
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 30,000
USD 32,760
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923–1997)
Peace Through Chemistry IV (Corlett 99), 1970
Lithograph in colors on Special Arjomari
Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge ‘39/56 rf Lichtenstein 70’
Freeman’s Hindman: 11 May 2024
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 22,860
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Peace Through Chemistry IV, 1970
Color lithograph on Special Arjomari paper
Pencil signed, dated and numbered 39/56 (there were also six artist’s proofs)
Workshop number ‘RL70-242’ inscribed in pencil beneath stamp
Christie’s New-York: 8 March 2023
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 27,720
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry IV, from Peace Through Chemistry, 1970
Lithograph in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed and dated in pencil, numbered 42/56
Chem 1A
Chem 1A
Medium: Screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Year: 1970
Sheet: 30 x 20 5/16 inches (76.2 x 51.6 cm)
Image: 24 x 14 3/8 inches (61 x 36.5 cm)
Edition: 100
Artist’s Proofs: 10 AP
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Printer: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Corlett 100, Gemini 248, RLCR 1815
Chem IA, 1970 (RLCR 1815) | Catalogue entry | Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp
This image, related to the Peace Through Chemistry series was produced for the benefit of the University of California, Irvine, in conjunction with the exhibition Roy Lichtenstein: Graphics, Reliefs, and Sculpture 1969–1970 (October 27–December 6, 1970) (1970 Irvine University of California). It also appeared on the cover of the exhibition catalogue (Coplans 1970c)
Auction Results
Phillips London: 20 September 2024
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 10,160 / USD 13,485
ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Chem IA, from Peace Through Chemistry Series (G. 248, C. 100), 1970
Screenprint in colors on Special Arjomari paper
Signed, dated and numbered 46/100 in pencil
Peace Through Chemistry (Bronze)
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze
Medium: Bronze
Year: 1971
Overall: 27 1/4 x 46 1/8 x 1 inches (69.2 x 117 x 2.4 cm)
Edition: 38
Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
Literature: Not in Corlett, Gemini 222
Incised with the artist’s signature, stamped with the date and numbered (along the right edge)
Auction Results
Christie’s New-York: 15 April 2026
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 152,400
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze, 1970
(Corlett p. 27; Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné 1809; Gemini 222)
Bronze multiple
With the artist’s incised signature and date
Numbered 35⁄38
Published by Gemini, G.E.L., Los Angeles, 1971
With their incised blindstamp
Sotheby’s New-York: 28 February 2025
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 40,000
USD 57,150
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923 – 1997)
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze (not in Corlett), 1971
Bronze multiple
Incised with the artist’s signature, stamped with the date and numbered 20/38 (along the right edge)
Christie’s New-York: 24 October 2018
Estimated: USD 70,000 – 100,000
USD 87,500
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry Bronze, 1971
Bronze multiple
With incised signature and date ’70’, numbered 12/38
Christie’s New-York: 24 October 2014
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 185,000
AUCTION RECORD FOR PEACE THROUGH CHEMISTRY (BRONZE)
ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
Peace Through Chemistry, 1971
Bronze multiple
With the artist’s incised signature
Numbered 11/38
Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles
With their incised stamp