As I Opened Fire [left panel]

1966

Roy Lichtenstein

Associated Names
Roy Lichtenstein

Artist, American, 1923 - 1997

This image features bold, curving lines, angular shapes, and dynamic, jagged forms creating movement and intensity. The abstract design resembles classic comic book illustrations, showing a streamlined object enveloped in explosive energy. The composition evokes imagery often seen in wartime scenarios, with the word "BRAT!" in large, blocky red letters intensifying the scene's impact.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color offset lithograph on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of John Simmons

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 64.1 x 53 cm (25 1/4 x 20 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.137.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Corlett/Fine 2002, no. App.5

  • Copyright

    © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Associated Artworks

The image shows bold, curved lines forming abstract shapes. The shapes resemble the body of an aircraft or spaceship. The word "abstract" is featured prominently. The shapes suggest air-borne artillery or guns with bullet trails depicted as fiery streaks. There is the sound "BRATATATA" in yellow letters. The background is vibrant blue, contrasting with red and yellow flames bursting from the tips of what look like barrels. Yellow casings, resembling bullets, are scattered below, hinting at rapid fire. The overall style is stylized and comic-like, with influences from pop art.

As I Opened Fire [center panel]

Roy Lichtenstein

1966

The image displays bold lines and vibrant colors in an abstract composition with shapes suggesting movement. The artwork includes stylized flames in red, yellow, and white. The word "BRAAAP" is integrated into the scene. Circular cylinders reminiscent of rockets or mechanical parts are present, against a background with polka dots.

As I Opened Fire [right panel]

Roy Lichtenstein

1966

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired by NGA in 2004 gift of John Simmons.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2002

  • Corlett, Mary Lee, and Ruth E. Fine. The Prints of Roy Lichtenstein: A Catalogue Raisonné 1948-1997. New York and Washington, D.C.: Hudson Hills Press and the National Gallery of Art, 2002, p. 324, no. App.5.

Inscriptions

[signed on right panel, see 2004.137.3]

Markings

printed in black lower right verso: edition and [copyright mark] copyright / stedelijk museum amsterdam / corrected with the original / printed in the netherlands

Wikidata ID

Q75118842

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