Roy Lichtenstein Reverie (C.38) 1965 For Sale

Roy Lichtenstein’s 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. The print is sometimes referenced as The Melody Haunts My Reverie - seen blazoned in a speech bubble at the top of the frame - taken from Mitchell Parish’s lyrics for his legendary song ‘Stardust’ performed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1927. The tender tune wistfully recollects a lover’s memories as they yearn for their sweetheart, now immortalised in ‘the stardust of song’. 

Born and raised in New York city by a musical mother who was a gifted pianist, Roy Lichtenstein grew up in the city’s Jazz Age where he attended concerts at the Apollo theatre as a teenager and continued his love of jazz throughout his life, playing the piano and clarinet. He plays with this passion for music in this early print Reverie where a blonde songstress is depicted performing Hoagy Carmichael’s mournful melody ‘Stardust’. The preceding lyrics to the words depicted, state: “Sometimes I wonder, how I spend / The lonely nights / Dreaming of a song / The melody / Haunts my reverie’ which suggests the restless turbulence of her pining state of mind. The narrowing of her forlorn, long-lashed eyes evoke sadness as she holds a microphone close to her face and bellows the words emblazoned above. 

Lichtenstein’s signature Benday dots are seen in her face, neck and hands, which give a more delicate and fragile impression than the solid blocks of colour seen in her canary yellow hair and blue background. The microphone is also defined by the Benday dots, which gives it, and her woeful words, a fragile delicacy. Lichtenstein’s distinctive Benday dots, heavy black outlines and flat areas of bold primary colour – as seen in Reverie – are all elements often associated with 1960s consumer culture and advertising aimed to appeal to mass audiences. 

It was the improvisational style of jazz that Lichtenstein loved, often painting in his studio to songs by Miles Davis, John Coltraine and Charlie Parker. Lichtenstein infused musical references throughout his work, as well as a bold treatment of sound - such as ‘Whaam!’ and ‘Pow!’ - evoking onomatopoeia to energise his works. At the age of 70, he began saxophone lessons with the renowned jazz saxophonist Hayes Greenfield. The Pop artist went on to release a series of silkscreens in 1995 and 1996 that featured swirling musical staves and notes, celebrating the freeform spirit of jazz. “What I really want to do is music,” he revealed in a 1997 interview. “But I won’t give up my day job!” 

Buy Roy Lichtenstein Reverie

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Lichtenstein market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying Reverie by Roy Lichtenstein, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Reverie by Roy Lichtenstein

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Reverie print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Roy Lichtenstein Reverie print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Roy Lichtenstein prints for sale.