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

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

Benton often chose heroes of folk lore and the subjects of popular ballads as subjects for his paintings. In the Fath catalog he is quoted as saying: 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, sheet is 20.5 x 24, with a framed size of 26 x 31.5 inches.
An outstanding example. Fine to very fine, the complete sheet with deckle edge along the top and right side, equally wide margin on the left suggests that side is complete as well, original wider margin along the bottom, properly mounted with two minimal acid free hinges, not laid down, no stain, damage or repair, very clean and free from mat burn. A nice, dark impression in slightly better condition than the example sold by our firm in March of 2023.
$8,000 - $12,000