20: THOMAS HART BENTON (1889-1975) PENCIL SIGNED LITHOGRAPH

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975)
Wreck of the Ol' 97 (1944)
The lithograph published by Associated American Artists in an edition of 250 prints is signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right and listed as Fath catalog number 63. A nice, dark strong impression on sheet with watermark as shown.

Benton's comments in Fath read: 'Famous folk song in the '20s. Not a true folk song, but one of the synthetics of the time based on an old folk tune. Drawing made in winter of 1926-27. Lithograph made in early 40s. Painting of this subject was purchased by Sears Roebuck Co and a print of it was circulated by the firm during the 40s and early 50s. Don't know where the painting is now.'
Image measures 10.25 x 15 on a 12.75 x 17 inch sheet with an overall frame size of 18.75 x 23.5 inches.
Very good condition. The complete sheet with four deckle edges, not laid down, no punctures, no repair, one small brown stain upper left corner - no other stain, a very, very pale outline form the mat, two paper hinges. Very good to excellent condition.
$7,000 - $9,000