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

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975)
Running Horses (1955)
The iconic Benton lithograph published by Associated American Artists and printed on Rives watermark paper is signed in pencil below the image lower right and in the plate lower left with date of '52.

Among the lowest of Benton editions, only 75 impressions of this image were turned over to the AAA for distribution.



Benton's comments on this image in Fath, where this is entered as number 78, are simply, 'Again, horses running with a steam train.'


That comment is likely referring to an earlier entry in the catalog of his prints where he talks about The Race, a similar image.

Of horses and locomotives. Benton observes: 'Common enough scene in the days of the steam engine. Why did horses so often run with the steam trains while they now pay no attention to the Diesels?'
Image measures 12.5 x 16.5, sheet is 15 x 19.25, frame is 18 x 22 inches.
Very good condition, the full untrimmed sheet with four deckle edges, not laid down, no damage, punctures, tears or repair. Even, overall toning of the sheet, darkened extreme outer edges of the sheet as shown in the images. Framed to archival standards in acid free mounts.
Provenance: Private collection, Kansas City, Missouri.
$6,000 - $9,000