Morton A. Mort is one of the seven prints from Roy Lichtenstein’s Expressionist Woodcut series, marking his first significant foray into woodcut techniques. This print stands out as the only one in the series—and among a few in Lichtenstein’s entire portfolio—that features a solitary landscape. Morton A. Mort explores alpine scenes through angular lines and woodgrain motifs reminiscent of the German Expressionist movement, particularly the Die Brücke artists.
The composition is both intricate and visually dynamic, characterised by three horizontal lines interlaced with geometric shapes. These shapes are outlined with bold black lines and filled with flat areas of colour or stripes. The print also features concentric circles made of wavy black lines, jagged triangular shapes, and blocks of colour including black, white, forest green, and blue, along with white diagonal stripes.
The title plays on the word "amort," meaning "on the brink of death," adding a layer of intrigue to the artwork. By removing tangible references and presenting an abstract landscape, Lichtenstein evokes the Expressionist movement's fascination with nature as a counterpoint to capitalist culture. The print encourages viewers to look beyond modern consumerism and connect with the rhythms of the natural world.