BERNARD (JOSEPH) STEFFEN (1907 – 1980)
PULLING CORN (FODDER HOPPER) c. 1935-45
Color serigraph signed with a full signature below the image at the lower right sheet edge . Unknown edition, but very scarce. 11 x 13 7/8 inches, sheet 16 x 20 ½ inches. Some slight tone within the mat opening and some slight discoloration at the edges of the large margins. Tape at upper sheet edge verso, small loss upper right corner edge.
A RARE LARGER SCALE Steffen serigraph with all the strength of his mannered compositional style.
Born in Kansas, Steffen was associated with the Regionalist Movement. He was a painter and produced lithographs and serigraphs. He created many prints under the WPA. Steffen is often associated with Thomas Hart Benton. Although 20 years younger Steffen was roommates with Benton in 1928 while they were both at Colorado Springs. They had a close relationship thereafter as a friend and mentor. His works are in many museums. His WPA / Federal Art Project prints are held in 13 Museum collections according to the GSA catalog on the WPA. Steffen’s most common prints were published by Associated American Artists in New York.
Regionalism, WPA, Midwest, Workers
