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

Thomas Hart Benton (1889 - 1975)
The Music Lesson (1943)
The lithograph published in an edition of 250 prints by Associated American Artists is signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right. Fath number 60. Original AAA labels are attached verso.

Benton states that this was, 'Made as a study for a large, nearly life-sized painting...' The impetus is described as 'Gale Huntington and his little daughter Emily live in Chilmark on the island of Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. In addition to farming, carpentry, fishing, and the thousand and one odd jobs which everybody does who lives in Chilmark, Gale plays the guitar and sings the songs of the whalers and old-time fishermen of the Island. Emily also sings them. She is learning the piano as well but under protest. She'd rather sing with Gale. Here she watches the chord sequences which underlie a new song' (Thomas Hart Benton, Patron's Supplement No. 26, Associated American Artists).
Image measures 10 x 12.75 with a framed size of 19.5 x 21.25 inches.
Very good condition, the full untrimmed sheet, not laid down, no damage, stain, puncture or repair; framed to archival standards in acid free mounts.
Provenance: A private Kansas estate collection.
$1,800 - $2,200