Geoffrey Diner Gallery (Washington, DC) will unveil a highly important work by Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997), at Masterpiece London this June. ‘Puzzle portrait’ painted in 1978 in oil and magna on canvas. The picture was purchased directly from Roy Lichtenstein in 1983 and will be sold together with two hand signed letters from the artist to the collector detailing the sale and its inclusion in one touring exhibition in 1983. The painting will be offered for sale by Geoffrey Diner Stand B29.

‘The strength of the market for iconic masterpieces was clearly demonstrated in the New York auctions last week, when two works by Roy Lichtenstein, reached new heights and one achieved a world record for the artist at auction. The astounding prices reached for these works show the strong desire amongst collectors to acquire masterworks. Continuing from this, Masterpiece London is delighted that Geoffrey Diner Gallery has chosen our fair and London to unveil this fresh and rare work by Roy Lichtenstein’, Nazy Vassegh, CEO of Masterpiece London.

In parallel to Lichtenstein’s work inspired by Pop culture, he began incorporating styles from artists of the past.  Specific examples of his work engage with historical styles and parodies including impressionism, futurism and surrealism as well as individual paintings by artists such as Picasso. Elements of Picasso and cubism are evident in ‘Puzzle portrait’, heralding Lichtenstein’s fascination with subject: art about art.

 ‘A lot of people think that the 60’s are the benchmark for Lichtenstein’s work, as this is when he established his Pop Art signature style and when he replicated the Ben Day Dot system. But during the 70’s he delivered works referring back to art history which led to his major series of Surrealist-Pop paintings. ‘Puzzle portrait’ has never been on the market before, and as a follow up to the Tate Modern retrospective exhibition of Lichtenstein’s work, we look forward to offering London an unseen Lichtenstein for sale at Masterpiece,’ Geoffrey Diner, Director at Geoffrey Diner Gallery. 

For more information, go to www.masterpiecefair.com