Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997) was an American pop artist best known for his bold, comic book-inspired paintings and prints. His work, characterized by thick black outlines, bright primary colors, and Ben-Day dots, helped define the Pop Art movement of the 1960s.

Lichtenstein’s art was heavily influenced by comic strips, advertisements, and mass media, which he transformed into high art through meticulous hand-painting techniques that mimicked mechanical printing. His signature use of Ben-Day dots, a printing method commonly used in comic books, became one of the most recognizable aspects of his work.

Lichtenstein’s work challenged traditional notions of fine art by elevating commercial imagery into a high-art context. He was a key figure alongside Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and James Rosenquist in shaping the Pop Art movement. His work remains widely exhibited in major museums, including MoMA, the Tate, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Today, Lichtenstein’s pieces continue to be highly valued in the art market, with his painting Masterpiece (1962) selling for $165 million in 2017. His influence extends beyond fine art, shaping graphic design, fashion, and popular culture.