James Francis Gill at the Vogel Gallery in Heidelberg

James Francis Gill is one of the last living Pop Art artists of the early days.

Hollywood film and music stars, art collectors, businesspeople, and museums all began collecting works by James Francis Gill in the 1960s. Along with Pop Art greats like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, James Gill is considered one of the founders of Pop Art. Gill designed the poster for Charlie Chaplin's final film, starring Sophia Loren and Marlon Brando. TIME magazine and LIFE magazine both chose Gill for their cover design. Celebrities like Tony Curtis and John Wayne asked him to create their portraits.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York has had works by James Gill in its permanent collection since 1962. Gill retired in 1972, during the peak of his artistic career. He didn't return to the art scene until about 30 years later.