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

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975)
Forward Pass (1972)
The lithograph published by Associated American Artists in an edition of 250 prints is signed by Benton in pencil below the image lower right and listed in the artist's catalog raisonne as Fath number 85.

This print has never been framed and is in excellent condition.


Benton's comments in Fath read: I have an overgrown crony in Kansas City named Dutt who is a football fan with a box at the Kansas City football stadium. He is six foot seven inches tall and therefore a real matching companion. One October afternoon he took me to see the Kansas City Chiefs play. I had never seen a 'pro' football game and I was fascinated with the spectacle and with the game itself. Using Dutts influence (he has a lot of that in K.C.) I got permission to attend the Chiefs practice sessions where I could get a close-up view of football actions. I made sketches there and from there a sculpture in bronze. The litho was made from the sculpture. P.S. I am five foot three inches.
Image measures 13 x 19.75, sheet size 18.5 x 24.75, the frame is 22.5 x 28.5 inches.
Very fine condition, very clean and free from past improper mounting methods or exposure to acidic materials, apparently never framed, no matting tape or hinges, the full untrimmed sheet with four deckle edges, not laid down, no damage, stain, punctures, tears or repair.
Provenance: Private family collection, Toronto, Canada.
$3,000 - $5,000