"The Critic Smiles" is a rare and provocative lead relief artwork by iconic American artist Jasper Johns (b. 1930), known for his exploration of materiality and semiotics in postwar art. This embossed mixed-media relief, created in 1969, is number 41 from an edition of 60 and was published by the prestigious Gemini G.E.L. (Graphic Editions Limited). The piece features an etched signature and is mounted within an aluminum frame and Lucite shadowbox, offering a compelling interplay between weight, texture, and transparency.

Crafted in embossed lead, tin, and gold, this work exemplifies Johns' commitment to unconventional materials and conceptual engagement with meaning and interpretation. A landmark piece in 20th-century American conceptual art, “The Critic Smiles” invites discourse on perception and criticism, as its title implies. This museum-quality work is a significant opportunity for serious collectors of modern art and works by Jasper Johns.