Lot #903: ROY LICHTENSTEIN - Crak! - Original color offset lithograph poster

   

Artist: Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997).
Title: "Crak! [Leo Castelli - small typesetting]".
Medium: Original color offset lithograph poster.
Date: Composed 1963.
Dimensions: Overall size: 21 1/8 x 28 1/2 in. (537 x 724 mm). Image size: 18 1/2 x 27 1/16 in. (470 x 687 mm).
Pricing:
  Starting Price: $4,000
  Reserve Price: N.A.
  Auction Sale Price Estimate: $5,000/6,000
Lot Note(s): Signed in pencil, lower right. An early and very fresh proof from the probably small edition, number unknown. White heavyweight wove paper, used in a number of the early proofs. The full sheet/full margins. Fine impression with fresh colors. Fine condition. Literature/catalogue raisonne: Corlett II.2.b; Doering/Von der Osten 5; Bianchini (1971), cat. no. 5; Zerner (1975), cat. no. 7.
Comment(s): Signed examples with letters and small typesetting of this famous poster are very rare. According to ‘Gordon’s Art Reference’ the auction record for another impression of this poster is $13,145 at Christie’s, New York, 4/29/2003, lot #654. The Gordon’s database lists only two sales of this poster in the past 30 years. The small typesetting in the lower right of the poster reads “Leo Castelli Gallery – Lithographed by Total Color, New York.” The poster was published to announce Lichtenstein's exhibition at Leo Castelli Gallery, September 28 to October 24, 1963. 'Crak!' and 'Crying Girl' were produced for the same Castelli exhibition. Published by Leo Castelli Gallery; printed by Colorcraft, New York. Image copyright © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein. [28949-5-4000-NA]