263: THOMAS HART BENTON (1889-1975) PENCIL SIGNED LITHO

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

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.
Image measures 12.75 x 19.75, sheet is 18.5 x 25 with a framed size of 27.5 x 34.5 inches.
Very good to fine condition, very clean, the complete sheet with four deckle edges, not laid down, no stain, damage or repair. An exceptional example.
$4,000 - $6,000