Roy Lichtenstein produced a significant group of offset lithograph posters and mailers for the Leo Castelli Gallery between 1962 and 1967, beginning with his first solo exhibition at the gallery. Originally created to promote exhibitions, many of these Roy Lichtenstein posters were later issued as signed prints, with some released as numbered editions. Due to strong demand, the gallery printed additional copies beyond the original mailers, often offering them at a nominal fee. These works, including iconic imagery such as Crying Girl and CRAK!, have since become recognised as an important category within Lichtenstein’s early print output.
Produced by commercial printers in New York under the coordination of designer Marcus Ratliff and printing firms such as Total Colour and Colorcraft, these Castelli Gallery publications occupy a distinct place in the Roy Lichtenstein prints market. Some were formal editions, while others were exhibition posters that later circulated as signed impressions.
CRAK!, 1963/1964Offset lithograph on lightweight, white wove paperSheet: 19 1/4 x 27 5/8 in. (48.9 x 70.2 cm), Edition of 300©The Estate of Roy Lichtenstein
