‘Bull I’ marks the beginning of Lichtenstein’s ‘Bull Profile’ series, which is an investigation into the abstraction and simplification of an image. The series begins with a figurative, well defined image that is then gradually abstracted over the six prints. The animal’s naturalistic shape is gradually and playfully abstracted so that by the sixth and final print the animal is indecipherable, essentially becoming a colourful arrangement of geometric shapes. Pablo Picasso’s abstracted bull series ‘Le Taureau’ (1945-46) is undeniably the inspiration for Lichtenstein’s own ‘Bull Profile’, echoing the core modernist belief that truth is revealed through distillation and abstraction.

Line-cut, 1973, on Arjomari paper, signed and dated in pencil, numbered from the edition of 100 (there were also 13 artist’s proofs) printed and published by Gemini G.E.L, Los Angeles, with their blindstamp, 68.6 x 88.9 cm. (27 x 35 in.)