Flag Ulae 74 by Jasper Johns
Flag Ulae 74
A striking exploration of symbol and texture, Jasper Johns' Flag Ulae 74 transforms the American flag into a tactile meditation on identity and perception. This framed print captures the artist's signature blend of precision and spontaneity.
About Flag Ulae 74
Flag Ulae 74 represents Jasper Johns' enduring fascination with the American flag as both symbol and object. Created during his prolific period of printmaking at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE), this work transforms a familiar national emblem into a textured abstraction. The print's surface combines delicate hatching with bold fields of color, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between representation and abstraction.
Johns' flag series began in the late 1950s as a response to the abstract expressionist dominance of the New York art scene. By rendering the flag in various mediums and techniques, he challenged notions of originality and mechanical reproduction. Flag Ulae 74 specifically showcases the artist's mastery of intaglio printmaking, where the physical process of inking and wiping plates creates subtle variations impossible to achieve through painting alone.
Jasper Johns and the Reinvention of Everyday Symbols
Jasper Johns emerged in the late 1950s as a pivotal figure in American art's transition from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art. His innovative approach to everyday objects and national symbols like flags, targets, and maps challenged conventional distinctions between fine art and popular culture. Flag Ulae 74 belongs to a series that began with his groundbreaking 1954–55 painting Flag, which depicted the American flag in encaustic—a medium combining pigment with melted wax.
The ULAE prints represent a later phase in Johns' exploration of the flag motif, where he fully embraced printmaking's potential for serial variation. Working at Universal Limited Art Editions on Long Island, Johns collaborated with master printers to push the technical boundaries of intaglio and lithography. These works demonstrate how a single, culturally loaded image can be endlessly reinvented through changes in scale, texture, and color.
The Making of Flag Ulae 74
Composition and Structure
Flag Ulae 74 employs a grid structure that mirrors the actual proportions of the American flag, yet Johns deliberately disrupts this familiar format. The composition uses diagonal hatching across the flag's fields, creating a vibrant textural effect that contrasts with the flat color areas. This approach transforms a static symbol into a dynamic visual experience.
Color and Texture
The print's color palette combines primary red, white, and blue with subtle undertones created through layering. Johns achieved this complexity using a combination of etching, aquatint, and possibly drypoint techniques at ULAE. The resulting surface captures the tactile quality of fabric while maintaining the graphic impact of the flag motif.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Jasper Johns |
| Original Year | Not documented |
| Art Style | Pop Art |
| Subject Matter | Flag |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16") |
| Print Method | Framed Poster |
| Paper | 310 gsm cotton rag, acid-free |
| Frame | 1.5" solid wood, natural finish |
| Glazing | UV-protective acrylic |
| Shipping | Free worldwide, 5–10 business days |
| Returns | 30-day return policy |
Own This Icon of American Art
Bring home Jasper Johns' Flag Ulae 74 as a museum-quality framed print. Each piece includes premium framing and free worldwide shipping—ready to hang on arrival.
View Print DetailsInterior Design Guide
Flag Ulae 74 makes a bold statement in contemporary interiors, particularly when paired with neutral wall colors like warm gray or soft white. The 30×40 cm size works well as a focal point above a console table or as part of a gallery wall in living spaces. For modern interiors, consider positioning the print against a dark accent wall to highlight its vibrant colors and intricate textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the frame included with the print?
Yes, each print comes with a museum-quality frame included. The frame is crafted from solid wood and features archival glazing to protect your artwork.
Do you offer free worldwide shipping?
Yes, we offer free worldwide shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase required. Delivery typically takes 5-10 business days.
What is the quality of the print?
Our prints are produced using giclée printing on archival paper, ensuring vibrant colors and lasting quality. The paper is acid-free and rated to resist fading for over 100 years.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked.
More Works by Jasper Johns
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Own Flag Ulae 74 by Jasper Johns as a framed art print, complete with museum-quality materials and free worldwide shipping. Each piece arrives ready to hang.
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