153: JACKSON LEE NESBITT (1913-2008) PENCIL SIGNED ETCHING

Jackson Lee Nesbitt (1913-2008)
Stripping Ingots (1939)
The etching from an edition of only 80 prints is signed by Nesbitt in pencil below the image lower right and titled lower left, Retif and Salzer number 14. A fine, strong impression.

Of the impetus for his well-known and highly sought after series of prints documenting the industrial processes at Sheffield Steel Corporation in Kansas City, Nesbitt recalled 'The company had called the Kansas City Art Institute to inquire about an etcher to create some images of their operations. John De Martelly and I were both recommended; but De Martelly, not wanting to spend any time on site at Sheffield, encouraged me to do it. For all the Sheffield pieces, I had to submit a finished pencil drawing to the company for approval prior to creating the etching. The original etchings were given as Christmas remembrances to VIPs both in and outside of the company and were offered for sale to the employees.'

Turns out Nesbitt spent a great deal of time on site at Sheffield detailing their massive works in more than sixteen different complex images completed during the 1930s, and six more during the late 40s and early 50s.
Image measures 11.75 x 9.25, sheet is 17 x 13.75, and frame is 26 x 22 inches.
Very good to fine condition, very clean, the full untrimmed sheet with very wide margins, not laid down, no damage, stain, puncture or repair; framed to archival standards in acid free mounts.
Provenance: A Leawood, Kansas corporate collection.
$600 - $900