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

Thomas Hart Benton (Missouri, 1889-1975)
Discussion (1969)
The lithograph from an edition of 250 prints published by Associated American Artists is signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right, Fath number 82.

Benton's comments in Fath read: 'In the summer of 1937, Life magazine hired me to report, with drawings, on the famous 'sit down' strikes occurring in the Detroit area at the time. Some newspaper reporters had written of these strikes as if they were the beginnings of revolution. I found neither talk about or desire for revolution, only an itch for more money. The drawing from which this litho was made represents a discussion between a union recruiter and a negro worker. The Union boss sits in the background looking on.'
Image size 9.75 x 12, sheet measures 12.75 x 18, the frame is 20.5 x 22 inches.
Very good condition, the full untrimmed sheet, not laid down, no damage, stain, puncture or repair as shown here outside the frame and mat. There is a very pale outline of toning that frames the image from a previous mat, very good overall.
$2,000 - $3,000