Sotheby's Auctioned Rare Roy Lichtenstein Coffee Table
A brass and glass table designed by the artist in the 1960s has hit the auction block in New York City.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Fine Art
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Sotheby's has listed a rare coffee table designed by Roy Lichtenstein for public auction. The piece, once used in the artist's own Southampton home, is being sold as part of an exclusive collection.
Why it matters
The sale offers a rare look into the personal collection of Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein, providing collectors a chance to acquire a piece of functional furniture designed by the iconic pop artist.
Sotheby's has listed the brass and glass coffee table, one of only three produced in the edition, with an auction estimate between $50,000 and $70,000. It is featured among 21 lots carrying a combined estimated value of $1 million.
The players
Roy Lichtenstein
He was a prominent American pop artist best known for his large-scale paintings inspired by comic strips and advertisements.
Sotheby's
It is a globally recognized auction house that specializes in fine art, jewelry, and luxury collectibles.
Whitney Museum of American Art
This New York City museum focuses on 20th-century and contemporary art from the United States.
Leo Castelli
He was a legendary contemporary art dealer who played a pivotal role in the rise of the Pop Art movement.
Donald Judd
He was a renowned American artist associated with the minimalism movement and known for his rejection of illusionism.
The details
The table features geometric Art Deco motifs, including distinctive rounded D-shaped legs and horizontal bands. Originally used in the personal residence of Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein, the table has previously been owned by notable figures including gallerist Leo Castelli and artist Donald Judd.
Timeline
Roy Lichtenstein designed the brass and glass coffee table in the late 1960s.
The Whitney Museum of American Art will open a Roy Lichtenstein retrospective in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The auction of this piece follows the momentum generated by the Whitney Museum of American Art retrospective. Such sales underscore the ongoing market demand for artist-designed furniture that intersects with their primary studio practices.
Potential buyers and enthusiasts can view the table through Sotheby's online auction platform. The sale provides a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire furniture with historical provenance linked to one of the most famous figures in American art.
The takeaway
Collectors should note that pieces with documented provenance from a famous artist's private residence often command higher premiums at auction. Investing in designer furniture requires verifying the limited edition counts to ensure long-term value retention.
Further reading
For more on the market for works by modern masters, visit the Fine Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wallpaper*.
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