Painting in Gold Frame, 1984: Print by Roy Lichtenstein from the "Paintings" series

  • Painting in Gold Frame, 1984 is a woodcut and lithograph by Roy Lichtenstein depicting brushstroke marks in a gold frame

    Painting in Gold Frame, 1984

    Woodcut, lithograph, screenprint, and collage on Arches 88 paper, Sheet: 117.4 x 91.3 cm

    Edition of 60; plus 11 AP, 1 RTP, 1 PPII, 3 GEL, 1 C, 1 SP, 1 NGA

    ©The Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

    BACK TO: "PAINTINGS" SERIES
     
    Painting in Gold Frame, 1984 is a print by Roy Lichtenstein from the Paintings series that explores the idea of a painting within a print. The composition focuses on the corner of an ornate gold frame, which stands out at the bottom of the image against a background of black and pale yellow stripes. Inside the frame, broad pale grey brushstrokes fill the composition, creating a painterly surface that contrasts with the graphic structure of the surrounding elements.
     
    Darker green and blue strokes introduce a visual language more typical of Lichtenstein’s style, blending expressive gesture with controlled design. At the centre of the composition, a small isolated brushstroke draws the viewer’s attention, appearing almost suspended within the space of the image. Produced using woodcut, lithograph, screenprint and collage on Arches 88 paper, the print reflects Lichtenstein’s ongoing exploration of the relationship between painting, printmaking and representation.

  • "Colour is crucial in painting, but it is very hard to talk about." 

    - Roy Lichtenstein

    Lichtenstein creates a striking contrast between two very different artistic languages. The ornate gold frame is rendered in a simplified, almost cartoon-like style, with bold lines and flat colour that echo the visual clarity of Pop Art. Inside the frame, however, the composition is filled with loose, gestural brushstrokes that reference the expressive energy of painting. This juxtaposition highlights Lichtenstein’s interest in questioning traditional ideas about art, placing the theatrical, decorative frame beside marks that suggest painterly spontaneity, yet are carefully constructed through printmaking.