Catalogue entry
RLCR 1924 (RL 8192)
Revolving Easel
1970s–1980s
Title Source
RLFMedia
Wood, metal hardware, pulley line, wheelsVarnish and brass-coated hardware on Dimmler's easels. Carbon steel hardware on Padula's easels. Carbon steel (?) support braces added at a later date.
Dimensions
103 to 127 x 22 x 41 1/8 in. (261.6 to 322.6 x 55.9 x 104.5 cm) (approx.; height is adjustable)
Related Works
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Provenance
Private collection
Archival Material
From RLF Archives: Roy Lichtenstein and Dorothy Lichtenstein in front of easels in Southampton studio, 1981
Photo: Arthur Schatz, courtesy RLF ArchivesClick image to view.
Entry Updated October 19, 2023
Lichtenstein had at least 8 revolving easels with adjustable height built for his continued studio use. They were fabricated following the artist's technical drawings, RLCR 1774 and RLCR 1775, showcasing his expertise in mechanical drawing earned early in his career. The easels were built at different times, as early as c. 1970 and up to 1988.
The artist's studio assistant Richard Dimmler likely built 5 easels, of which 2 are inscribed, signed and dated on the underside: "BUILT BY R. DIMMLER 7/83." Warren Padula, a Long Island artist, built 3 easels, neither signed nor dated. In a December 2012 correspondence with the authors, Dimmler recalled that the millwork was performed by Chelsea Cabinets, who cut the wood to size.
As of 2023, all easels are owned by the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein with the exception of one, which was gifted in 2006 to the Koons Collection.