Arguably his most famous work, Roy Lichtenstein’s early print "Reverie," part of the "11 Pop Artists" portfolio (Volume II), is from an edition of 200 and signed in pencil on the lower right margin. Roy Lichtenstein’s passion for music is evident in his early print "Reverie," where a blonde songstress is depicted performing Hoagy Carmichael’s mournful melody "Stardust." The narrowing of her forlorn, long-lashed eyes evokes sadness as she holds a microphone close to her face and sings the words emblazoned, reflecting her mournful state.
Lichtenstein skillfully utilises his signature Benday dots in her face, neck, and hands, giving a delicate and fragile impression compared to the solid blocks of colour in her canary yellow hair and the blue background.
Lichtenstein’s distinctive Benday dots, heavy black outlines, and flat areas of bold primary colour are all elements often associated with 1960s consumer culture and advertising aimed at appealing to mass audiences, making this print a zeitgeist of its era.