Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein, the renowned American pop artist, was born on October 27, 1923.

Lichtenstein's family moves to 310 West 99th Street in Manhattan.

The Lichtenstein family moved to 924 West End Avenue at 105th Street.

Lichtenstein attends kindergarten near 104th Street and West End Avenue in Manhattan.

Roy Lichtenstein started first grade at P.S. 9 and developed a strong interest in drawing and science. He frequently visited the American Museum of Natural History during this time.

On January 1, 1935, Roy Lichtenstein enrolled in school.

At the age of fourteen in 1937, Roy Lichtenstein received his first art book, Thomas Craven’s Modern Art: The Men, the Movements, the Meaning. The book influenced his early visual interests and artistic development.

On January 16, 1938, Roy Lichtenstein attends Benny Goodman's first concert at Carnegie Hall, which inspires him to start doing renditions of jazz music.

On April 30, 1939, Roy Lichtenstein frequently visits the opening of the 1939–40 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, themed 'Building the World of Tomorrow'.

Roy Lichtenstein begins his undergraduate studies at Ohio State University in the College of Education. He takes various classes including Art Appreciation and Advanced Freehand Drawing, as well as non-art related courses like Education Survey, Field Artillery, and Botany. Lichtenstein also joins the Phi Sigma Delta fraternity during this time.

During his time at Ohio State University, Roy Lichtenstein takes art classes including Art Appreciation and Advanced Freehand Drawing. These classes contribute to his artistic development and exploration of different techniques.

In 1943, Roy Lichtenstein began his journey as a painter.

In 1944, a portrait of Roy Lichtenstein in his Army uniform was taken.

Leaves Europe and travels to the United States.

Leaves the Army as a Private First Class and goes back home. Engages in visiting art museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA with family.

Milton Lichtenstein, presumably Roy Lichtenstein's father, passes away.

Returns to Fort Dix, New Jersey after hearing about his father's serious illness.

Continues his education by enrolling in the Graduate School of Fine and Applied Arts at Ohio State University.

In approximately 1948, Roy Lichtenstein created a piece titled Pilot using pastel and graphite pencil on colored paper. The artwork measures 10 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches and is part of the Roy Lichtenstein Study Collection at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Roy Lichtenstein marries Isabel Sarisky, who is an assistant director at Ten-Thirty Gallery in Cleveland. Isabel was previously married to prominent Cleveland artist Michael Sarisky.

Ten-Thirty Gallery exhibits twenty oils and pastels, including works by Roy Lichtenstein. The artworks are described as 'flat abstracts with faintly recognizable objects like animals, plants, and faces.'

In 1950, Untitled Lyrical Abstractions were displayed for the first time in a solo exhibition at Condon Riley Gallery in New York. The paintings showcased minimal bright colors on unprimed backgrounds, with some featuring heavy impasto and traces of instant coffee, described as washy, waterish, and thinly painted.

In 1951, Roy Lichtenstein created the painting 'Washington Crossing the Delaware II' which is an oil on canvas piece measuring 24 × 30 inches. The artwork is part of the collection at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.

In 1952, Roy Lichtenstein contributed his work to various juried exhibitions including Denver City Building, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the University of Nebraska. A charcoal drawing titled Two Indians (Study) from that year was featured in a show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In January 26, 1953, Roy Lichtenstein had his second solo exhibition at John Heller Gallery, showcasing oils and watercolors inspired by Americana themes. One of his works, The Statesman, was featured in Artnews in black and white.

In September 20, 1953, Roy Lichtenstein contributed his work to the third season opening exhibition of the Art Colony Galleries.

In March 8, 1954, Roy Lichtenstein continued teaching drawing at the Cooper School in Cleveland.

Lichtenstein's third solo exhibition at John Heller Gallery featured paintings on American folklore themes, depictions of clock and gear parts based on engineering blueprints, and works that included toys. Critics Robert Rosenblum and Porter reviewed the show for Art Digest and Artnews.

Lichtenstein's son, David Hoyt Lichtenstein, was born on October 9, 1954.

The painting 'Weatherford Surrenders to Jackson' was purchased by collectors and donated to the Butler Museum of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio on January 1, 1955.

Art Colony Galleries exhibited thirteen paintings by Lichtenstein in a three-person show alongside Christine Miller and Louis Penfield. The Cleveland Plain Dealer described Lichtenstein's paintings in the show as 'Klee-like and surprising.'

On March 10, 1956, Roy Lichtenstein's son Mitchell Wilson Lichtenstein was born.

In January 1957, Roy Lichtenstein had a solo exhibition at John Heller Gallery, showcasing paintings with Americana themes. Critics described his works as 'acrid in color' and 'flatly patterned, spontaneously felt depictions of a grown-up's child-world.'

In February 1957, Roy Lichtenstein was invited to exhibit with Group 5, a collective of Cleveland artists who came together after being excluded from a show at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Lichtenstein displayed several paintings and constructions.

In May 1957, Roy Lichtenstein showcased lithographs at Karamu House in Cleveland, a venue that featured artists from various disciplines like dance, printmaking, theater, and writing.

In September 1957, Roy Lichtenstein accepted a position as an assistant professor at the State University of New York at Oswego to teach industrial design. This move proved beneficial for his artistic development and career.

Lichtenstein holds a solo exhibition at John Heller Gallery, showcasing paintings on Americana themes described by critics as 'acrid in color' and 'flatly patterned.'

Lichtenstein is invited to exhibit with Group 5, a collective of Cleveland artists, showing several paintings and constructions in defiance of their omissions from a previous show at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Lichtenstein showcases lithographs at Karamu House in Cleveland, a venue known for promoting diversity in arts and culture.

Roy Lichtenstein painted 'Variations No. 7' in 1959. It is an oil on canvas piece that is part of the Collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art.

On January 1, 1960, Roy Lichtenstein began his teaching career at Rutgers University.

In June 1960, Roy Lichtenstein visited the Martha Jackson Gallery in New York and saw works by Jim Dine and Claes Oldenburg in the exhibition 'New Form—New Media I' organized by Steve Joy.

In 1961, Roy Lichtenstein's art was displayed in New York by Leo Castelli, showcasing his unique style and contribution to the art world.

From January 11 to 27, 1961, Roy Lichtenstein exhibited abstract paintings at Douglass College, including works with cartoon figures embedded in paint.

From April 3 to May 13, 1962, Roy Lichtenstein's painting 'The Kiss' was included in the 1961 group exhibition at the Dallas Museum for Contemporary Arts curated by Douglas MacAgy.

On November 9, 1961, Leo Castelli sold Roy Lichtenstein's first work, I Can See the Whole Room! . . . And There’s Nobody in It!, to Burton and Emily Hall Tremaine.

On November 30, 1961, New York collector Richard Brown Baker purchased Roy Lichtenstein's piece, Washing Machine.

Roy Lichtenstein's first exhibition of comic-book paintings was held at the Leo Castelli Gallery from February 10 to March 3, 1962. The show was a success, selling out and making Lichtenstein well-known in the art world.

In February 26, 1962, Newsweek magazine reviewed Roy Lichtenstein's show at the Leo Castelli gallery and reproduced the painting 'Girl with Ball'.

From May 26 to June 30, 1962, Roy Lichtenstein's black-and-white drawings were shown for the first time in the exhibition 'Drawings: Lee Bontecou, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Moskowitz, Robert Rauschenberg, Jack Tworkov' at the Leo Castelli gallery.

On June 15, 1962, Roy Lichtenstein was among several artists featured in the article 'Something New Is Cooking' in Life magazine.

The Art of Two Ages exhibition at Mi Chou Gallery in New York features Pop paintings alongside works by artists like Albert Bierstadt and John William Casilear.

Comic-strip and consumer-goods paintings are shown for the first time on the West Coast in the group exhibition New Painting of Common Objects at the Pasadena Art Museum.

An oral history interview with Roy Lichtenstein took place from November 15, 1963, to January 15, 1964, conducted by Richard Baker Brown. This interview provides valuable insights into the artist's thoughts and life during that period.

From March 14 to June 12, Roy Lichtenstein's work was included in the Six Painters and the Object exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, organized by Lawrence Alloway, alongside other prominent artists like Dine, Johns, Rauschenberg, Rosenquist, and Warhol.

From April 18 to June 2, Roy Lichtenstein's artworks such as Electric Cord, Handshake, George Washington, Aloha, The Refrigerator, and Femme d’Alger were featured in The Popular Image exhibition at the Washington Gallery of Modern Art, organized by Alice Denney.

From September 28 to October 24, Roy Lichtenstein's second solo exhibition at Leo Castelli gallery includes iconic works like Drowning Girl, Baseball Manager, Torpedo...LOS!, and Whaam!

On October 1, 1963, Roy Lichtenstein had the first of a series of major interviews conducted by John Coplans in Artforum.

From October 24 to November 23, Roy Lichtenstein's Pop art works are exhibited for the first time in Britain at The Popular Image exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art, London.

From November 19 to December 15, Roy Lichtenstein is included in the Mixed Media and Pop Art exhibition at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, showcasing works alongside other prominent artists like Warhol, Rauschenberg, and Johns.

On January 1, 1964, Roy Lichtenstein began creating his first Pop Art pieces, marking a significant shift in his artistic style and paving the way for a new movement in the art world.

Life magazine publishes an article with the provocative title 'Is He the Worst Artist in the U.S.?', suggested by author Dorothy Seiberling and Leo Steinberg. The artist, who approves of the title, remains unnamed.

On April 22, 1964, Roy Lichtenstein's World’s Fair Mural, featuring a girl in a window, was showcased at the New York State Pavilion during the New York State Fair.

On June 30, 1964, Roy Lichtenstein resigned from Douglass College.

The American Supermarket had its grand opening on October 6, 1964, featuring works by various artists including Roy Lichtenstein. Visitors could purchase items and put them in shopping bags with images of a Thanksgiving turkey or Campbell’s tomato soup by Warhol.

Roy Lichtenstein's artwork titled Temple of Apollo, along with several landscapes and enamel works, was exhibited at Leo Castelli from October 24 to November 19, 1964, employing a classical art reference.

In June 1965, Roy Lichtenstein had his show at Galerie Sonnabend in Paris. The opening of the show was attended by many, including the photographer Shunk-Kender.

In March-April 1966, Roy Lichtenstein was in Caracas, Venezuela, promoting Jacinto Quirarte’s show Pop Art: La Nueva Imagen, which was sponsored by Tabacalera Nacional/Philip Morris International.

On April 15, 1966, Roy Lichtenstein participated in a Pop art symposium panel with Larry Rivers and Frank Stella, which was sponsored by the San Francisco Art Institute.

On April 27, 1966, Roy Lichtenstein attended the gala opening of Artists for CORE: Fifth Annual Art Exhibition and Sale at Grippi and Waddell in New York. The exhibition included his limited-edition button featuring an apple core inside a painter’s palette.

From June 18 to October 16, 1966, Roy Lichtenstein, along with Helen Frankenthaler, Ellsworth Kelly, and Jules Olitski, represented the United States at the 33rd Venice Biennale in an exhibition organized by Henry Geldzahler. He also traveled to Venice for the opening.

On October 1, 1966, a six-piece table setting of signed black-and-white china pieces produced by Jackson China Co. for Durable Dish Company was sold at Leo Castelli. Roy Lichtenstein was involved in this unique project.

From November 4 to December 1, 1966, The Cleveland Museum of Art presented Roy Lichtenstein's first solo museum exhibition titled 'Works by Roy Lichtenstein,' which was organized by Ed Henning.

The Cleveland Museum of Art showcases the first solo museum exhibition featuring works by Roy Lichtenstein, which was organized by Ed Henning.

On March 23, 1967, Roy Lichtenstein's divorce from Isabel is officially completed.

A poster billboard featuring the painting RLCR 995 is revealed at the intersection of La Cienega Blvd. and Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles to promote an upcoming show at the Pasadena Art Museum. The posters were created by Foster and Kleiser Outdoor Advertising as a donation to the museum.

An interview conducted by David Sylvester with Roy Lichtenstein in January 1966 is broadcasted on the BBC Third Programme as 'Roy Lichtenstein Talks To David Sylvester' as part of the series 'Ten American Artists.'

Roy Lichtenstein's mural 'Big Modern Painting' is featured at Expo '67 in the 'American Painting Now' exhibition at the Expo '67 US Pavilion in Montreal. The mural showcases graduated Benday dots, a signature element of Lichtenstein's style.

In August 1967, Roy Lichtenstein collaborates with the Hollander Workshop in New York to produce his lithograph titled 'Explosion' for Portfolio 9. This project showcases Lichtenstein's experimentation with different artistic techniques.

Carlene Meeker is hired as an assistant to scrape off incorrectly applied dots and repaint them, staying on for twelve years. She often works on fifteen to twenty paintings at a time.

Roy Lichtenstein's image of Robert F. Kennedy is commissioned to appear on the cover of Time magazine.

Roy Lichtenstein, along with Helen Frankenthaler, Kelly, and Jules Olitski, represented the United States at the 33rd Venice Biennale in an exhibition organized by Henry Geldzahler. He traveled to Venice for the opening.

Time magazine showcases his depiction of a gun on the cover for the article 'The Gun in America.'

He is honored with a lifelong fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

He ties the knot with Herzka in November.

He is tasked with creating a movie poster for Joanna, which unfortunately never gets distributed despite being advertised in newspapers.

In 1969, Lichtenstein had his first New York retrospective at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. This exhibition showcased his artistic journey and contributions to the art world.

In 1970, Roy Lichtenstein resigned from teaching at Rutgers University to relocate to New York and immerse himself in the art scene.

Two landscape films are shown on large screens at the Expo '70 US Pavilion in Osaka, Japan using 35 mm film loop rear-screen projectors. Roy Lichtenstein does not personally visit Japan to witness the installation.

The artist begins the Entablature series using own photographs of Wall Street’s neoclassical buildings as sources, inspired by the decorative dividers in works by Cubist painters such as Picasso and Georges Braque.

Mirrors by the artist are publicly exhibited for the first time at Leo Castelli.

The artist is inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Boston.

In 1972, Roy Lichtenstein continued creating artworks with comic-strip characteristics, which became his signature style. He later expanded his techniques to explore deeper themes related to art and popular culture, transitioning to still lifes and landscapes in a departure from his earlier works.

In 1973, the artist begins a series of trompe-l’oeil and Cubist still lifes, exploring new techniques and styles in his artwork.

On April 26, 1977, the artist receives the Skowhegan Medal for Painting and Sculpture.

On May 13, 1977, the artist is awarded a doctorate in fine arts from the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia.

In January 1978, the artist creates a stage prop of an airplane for American poet Kenneth Koch's novel-turned-play. The prop is made from Magna, tape on foam core, and mounted on wood.

In 1979, Roy Lichtenstein was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters, which was later elevated to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1993 in New York.

On October 25, 1979, Roy Lichtenstein designed the Untitled Shirt featuring a mirror motif in collaboration with the Fabric Workshop in Philadelphia for Artist Space's sixth-anniversary fundraising party at the Mudd Club.

On February 4, 1980, Roy Lichtenstein purchased a house in Southampton, Long Island, and constructed a studio on the property.

From May 8 to June 28, 1981, an exhibition showcasing paintings and sculptures from the period 1970–80 was held at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The exhibition, organized by Jack Cowart, later traveled to museums in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

The artist submits a three-dimensional maquette for the tallest sculpture to date, titled Brushstrokes in Flight, to a national competition sponsored by the City of Columbus for an international airport.

The artworks Look Mickey, Popeye, and Wimpy (Tweet) are exhibited for the first time at the Parrish Art Museum in Southampton.

The artist is chosen to design, execute, and install the Brushstrokes in Flight sculpture near the central courtyard at the airport entrance. It is later moved indoors for better visibility in June 1985.

A poster for UN Special Committee Against Apartheid is published by Galerie Maeght-Lelong in Paris.

On May 3, 1984, the artist was commissioned to create a mural for the lobby of the Equitable Tower in midtown Manhattan, a skyscraper featuring a five-story skylit atrium.

From September 20 to December 2, 1984, the Whitney Museum presented an exhibition titled Blam! The Explosion of Pop, Minimalism, and Performance, organized by Barbara Haskell.

Contributes design to Brooklyn Academy of Music Next Wave Festival.

On May 31, 1985, Roy Lichtenstein contributes a new print of the American flag for the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania fund-raising event called 'Round the Flag.'

On February 15, 1986, the Salute to Painting sculpture, made from painted and fabricated aluminum and towering over 25 feet, was dedicated at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

On May 3, Roy Lichtenstein is commissioned to create a mural for the lobby of the Equitable Tower (now AXA Equitable Center) in midtown Manhattan.

In February 1987, Roy Lichtenstein, assisted by Diana Kingsley, works on his Imperfect print series at the Gemini G.E.L. Artists Studio. This series is a significant artistic endeavor for Lichtenstein during this period.

In July 1987, Peter Littmann, Executive Director of Vorwerk & Co. Teppichwerke in Germany, visits an artist to commission a design for a commercial wall-to-wall nylon carpet with specific requirements. The artist is among a group of other renowned artists who are also commissioned for designs.

The 31-foot-high aluminum Brushstroke sculpture, titled Coups de pinceau, is erected at Caisse des Dépôts in Paris, showcasing Lichtenstein's artistic prowess.

On October 4, 1989, Roy Lichtenstein was working on his mural, RLCR 3774, at the Creative Artists Agency Building in Beverly Hills, California.

In October 16, 1990, Roy Lichtenstein was approached by Taittinger to design a bottle for their champagne, which was introduced in Paris along with a thousand wine glasses featuring the same image.

Two Interior paintings by Roy Lichtenstein were included in the Whitney Museum's Biennale from April 2 to June 16, 1991.

Roy Lichtenstein received Brandeis University's Creative Arts Award on April 25, 1991.

Modern Head, based on a 1974 sculpture, was installed in Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan from May 15 to October 31, 1991. The sculpture was later recovered after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

In 1992, Roy Lichtenstein's retrospective exhibition took place at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, showcasing his iconic artworks.

On July 9, 1993, Roy Lichtenstein is awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London, recognizing his significant contributions to the art world.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum presents a retrospective survey of paintings and sculptures by Roy Lichtenstein. The exhibition features designs for the museum's magazine and travels to various venues including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Museé des beaux-arts in Montreal.

Roy Lichtenstein receives the Amici de Barcelona award from the Mayor of Barcelona, Pasqual Maragall.

On December 23, 1994, Roy Lichtenstein received the Amici de Barcelona award from Mayor Pasqual Maragall, L’Alcalde de Barcelona.

An interview conducted by chief staff art critic Michael Kimmelman on the artist's favorite pieces at the museum is published in the New York Times.

The artist donates Composition III, based on the motif of musical notes, to the Friends of Art and Preservation in Embassies. 175 copies of the print hang in US embassies.

The artist receives the National Medal of Arts at a gala ceremony in Washington, D.C., presented by President and Mrs. Clinton.

On March 31, The New York Times published an interview conducted by Michael Kimmelman with Roy Lichtenstein, where the artist discussed his favorite pieces at the museum.

In May 1996, the individual was awarded an honorary doctorate in fine arts from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

In June 1996, Roy Lichtenstein donated Composition III, based on the motif of musical notes, to the Friends of Art and Preservation in Embassies. Numerous copies of the print were displayed in US embassies.

From September 28 to October 26, 1996, an exhibition titled 'Roy Lichtenstein: Landscapes in the Chinese Style' was presented at Leo Castelli.

On October 5, 1996, Roy Lichtenstein received the National Medal of Arts at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., presented by President and Mrs. Clinton.

Galerie Lawrence Rubin in Zurich showcases a new exhibition featuring Interior paintings. Sylvester's interview is included in the catalogue.

Roy Lichtenstein passed away in September 1997 due to severe pneumonia.

Roy Lichtenstein passes away unexpectedly at New York University Medical Center in Manhattan due to complications from pneumonia.

On April 9, 1998, the Roy Lichtenstein Study Center for Contemporary Art was dedicated by the American Friends of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in Israel.

On September 29, 1998, Roy Lichtenstein passed away unexpectedly at New York University Medical Center in Manhattan due to complications from pneumonia.

In 2019, the Roy Lichtenstein Study Collection was gifted to the Whitney Museum of American Art by the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. This collection includes significant works by Lichtenstein, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of his artistic legacy.

An exhibition catalogue related to the works of artist Roy Lichtenstein was published on April 8, 2021.

An article delving into Roy Lichtenstein's early years and his artistic development before his iconic dot paintings.

The exhibition showcasing Roy Lichtenstein's works from 1948 to 1960 was held at Colby College Museum of Art from February 11 to June 6, 2021.

An article exploring the early years of artist Roy Lichtenstein before he became known for his signature dot paintings.

The Parrish Art Museum hosted an exhibition featuring Roy Lichtenstein's artworks from 1948 to 1960, running from August 1 to October 24, 2021.

The Nasher Museum released a hardcover catalogue titled 'Roy Lichtenstein: History in the Making, 1948 – 1960' providing insights into the artist's work during the specified period.

A photo gallery capturing the opening events of a Lichtenstein exhibition was published on August 12, 2022.

The exhibition 'Roy Lichtenstein: History in the Making, 1948 – 1960' showcases the formative works of artist Roy Lichtenstein from 1948 to 1960, including pieces like Variations No. 7. It is scheduled to run from August 25, 2022, to January 08, 2023.

The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation has generously donated 186 artworks to five museums in anticipation of the artist's centennial celebration. This significant donation will contribute to the preservation and promotion of Lichtenstein's artistic legacy.

On April 8, 2023, the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation gifted 'Washington Crossing the Delaware II' to the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University in celebration of the centennial of Roy Lichtenstein.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and Colby College Museum of Art collaborated to create a video titled 'Roy Lichtenstein: History in the Making, 1948 – 1960'. This video provides insights into Lichtenstein's artistic journey during the specified period.