THOMAS HART BENTON (1889-1975)
COMING ROUND THE MOUNTAIN (MISSOURI MUSICIANS) 1931 (Fath 4)
Lithograph, signed in pencil. Although Fath indicates an edition of 75, it is numbered 10/12. 11 3/16 x 8 ½” Sheet 17 1/8 x 12 ½”, with a partial watermark.
A VERY RARE early lithograph. This print scarcely appears on the market. Benton Expert Henry Adams indicated Fath may have assumed the edition was 75. Benton Comments on this print "Made for Myself - Distributed by myself”. Adams explains that lithography was expensive and difficult. In his early years, he likely made this print in in a studio with other artists. “The extreme rarity of this print suggests that there are less than 75 impressions”. It is very possible that the edition is indeed 12. Fath Nos. 2 & 3 are only in 2 impressions each both 1929. Very good condition, a minute trace of a mat line. A few annotations at the lower sheet edge.