Discussion

Benton-DiscussionBig

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), Discussion, 1969, Lithograph.

Fath 82. Edition 250. Signed in pencil. Signed in the stone, lower left.

Image size 9 7/8 x 12 inches (251 x 305 mm); sheet size 12 7/8 x 17 7/8 inches (327 x 454 mm).

A fine, rich impression, on cream wove paper, with full margins (1 1/4 to 3 1/8 inches); hinge glue stains on the top sheet edge, recto, well away from the image; otherwise in excellent condition.

Published by Associated American Artists.

“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.” -THB