Rosemary Lying on one Elbow is a steelcut of the  american Artist Tom Wesselmann. Tom Wesselmann gained prominence in the 1960s as a leading figure of the Pop Art movement. While he is widely recognized for his vibrant and bold paintings, Wesselmann also made significant contributions to the art world through his series of steelcuts.

Steelcuts were a unique medium that Wesselmann developed in the late 1960s. Inspired by his interest in industrial materials and techniques, he sought to explore the possibilities of working with steel as an artistic medium. Wesselmann’s steelcuts were created by cutting, shaping, and welding steel sheets into various forms and compositions.

What set Wesselmann’s steelcuts apart was their ability to combine elements of painting and sculpture. By manipulating steel sheets, he was able to create three-dimensional works that incorporated his signature themes of everyday objects, female nudes, and domestic interiors. Wesselmann’s steelcuts often featured bold colors, sharp lines, and smooth surfaces, adding a sense of vibrancy and energy to the medium.

In his steelcuts, Wesselmann continued to explore the themes that were central to his overall body of work. He focused on the portrayal of the female form, using cut and welded steel to create stylized representations of the female body. These sculptures embodied both a celebration and critique of the female objectification prevalent in popular culture.

Wesselmann’s steelcuts also incorporated everyday objects, such as household items and consumer products, much like his paintings. By elevating these mundane objects into the realm of art, he challenged traditional notions of beauty and elevated the ordinary to the extraordinary.

One of Wesselmann’s most famous steelcut series is the “Bedroom Tit Box” series, created in the early 1970s. These works consisted of large-scale sculptures that combined a bed, a nightstand, and a box of tit-shaped candies. The steelcuts explored themes of intimacy, desire, and commercialization, showcasing Wesselmann’s ability to merge elements of domesticity and popular culture in his art.

Wesselmann’s steelcuts were innovative in their approach to materials and technique, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums. By working with steel, he added an industrial and sculptural element to his repertoire, distinguishing himself from other Pop artists of his time.

Today, Wesselmann’s steelcuts continue to be celebrated for their boldness, originality, and ability to bridge the gap between painting and sculpture. They serve as a testament to his creative vision and his ongoing exploration of popular culture, female representation, and the fusion of art and everyday life.

Sidney Janis, the influential art dealer and gallery owner, collaborated with Wesselmann to produce a limited edition series of steelcuts.

The Sidney Janis edition of Tom Wesselmann’s steelcuts was created in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a collaborative effort between the artist and the gallery owner, where Wesselmann produced a specific set of steelcuts exclusively for Sidney Janis Gallery.

These steelcuts retained Wesselmann’s signature style and themes, featuring bold colors, sleek lines, and the artist’s exploration of everyday objects and the female form. The Sidney Janis edition steelcuts were typically created in small editions, making them highly sought after by collectors.

The collaboration between Wesselmann and Janis was significant as it helped to promote and disseminate Wesselmann’s work to a wider audience. Janis, with his esteemed reputation and influential gallery, provided a platform for Wesselmann’s steelcuts to gain recognition and visibility within the art world.

The Sidney Janis edition of Wesselmann’s steelcuts represented a partnership that brought together the artistic vision of Wesselmann and the support and promotion of Janis. It allowed collectors and art enthusiasts to appreciate and acquire these unique works, showcasing the innovative nature of Wesselmann’s steelcut creations.

Overall, the Sidney Janis edition of Tom Wesselmann’s steelcuts played a crucial role in the dissemination and appreciation of his work. The collaboration between Wesselmann and Janis helped to solidify the significance of these steelcuts within the broader context of Wesselmann’s artistic practice and the Pop Art movement as a whole.

One copy of the Tom Wesselmann Steel Drawing Edition Rosemary Lying on one Elbow sold at Lempertz Auction House in Cologne/Germany for 40,000 US$ in 2014.