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

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975)
Frankie and Johnnie (1936)
The lithograph from an edition of only 100 prints published by Associated American Artists is signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right, listed as Fath catalog number 11.

Benton's comments in Fath reads: ''From Section of Missouri Mural at Mo. State Capitol, Jefferson City, Mo. The incident according to legend happened in St. Louis though the Tune in various forms is earlier than the 1890 St. Louis story. Anyhow the story is a part of Missouri Mythology like the Jesse James and Huck Finn stories.''
Image measures 16 x 22.5, sheet is 20.5 x 24.25, framed size is 25 x 30.25 inches.
Very good-plus condition, the complete sheet with deckle edges, clean condition with only a very, very pale shadow from a previous mat visible when removed from the frame as shown here, not laid down, no stain, damage or repair. A nice, dark impression.
$8,000 - $12,000