Lonesome Road - Thomas Hart Benton Vintage Lithograph 1938

Description: This striking vintage lithograph reproduction titled "Lonesome Road" by renowned American artist Thomas Hart Benton captures the raw emotion and profound social commentary that define much of his work. The print evokes the hardship, poverty, and isolation that plagued many parts of rural America during the early 20th century. With masterful detail, Benton illustrates a poignant scene of a downtrodden Black man driving a small, weary mule-drawn cart past a dilapidated shack, against a backdrop of bleak, enclosing hills. - Artist: Thomas Hart Benton, a leading figure in the American Regionalist art movement- Title: Lonesome Road- Subject: Powerful Depiction of American History- Style: Depression-Era Regionalism Art, American Realism- Medium: Lithograph reproduction - Era: c.1930s - Dimensions (approx): Image is 10" wide x 7 1/2" ; Page is 11" x 8 1/2"- Condition: In excellent vintage condition with very light signs of wear from age and storage. - Frame: Not included - Historical Context & Significance: - Drawing made in Arkansas in 1926. I had come up river on a tow boat from New Orleans to Helena, Arkansas where I took a train to Little Rock. . . ." Thomas Hart Benton. - Thomas Hart Benton’s work is heavily influenced by his personal history and his Midwestern roots. His sympathy for the struggles of African Americans, reflected in this work, stems partly from his family’s own history. His grandfather, a slaveholder and Senator from Missouri, came to oppose slavery, a moral evolution that mirrors Benton’s sensitivity to issues of racial and economic injustice. - Lonesome Road confronts viewers with a desolate, lonely landscape that speaks to the broader context of racial discrimination and poverty during the Great Depression. The forlorn figures of both man and mule are highlighted in a way that reflects Benton’s empathetic treatment of human suffering. - The detailed scene, from the drooping posture of the man to the bleak surroundings, makes this work not only a visually compelling piece but also a strong commentary on the social and economic challenges of the time. - Artistic Value: - Benton’s work reflects his deep commitment to American subject matter, remaining true to his Midwestern upbringing and the struggles he witnessed firsthand. Despite spending time in Paris, Benton’s dedication to American life and themes of hardship remained central to his art. - His mastery of form and composition, combined with a strong rhythmic flow reminiscent of Renaissance murals, makes this lithograph a striking example of his mature style. The emotional power is enhanced by Benton’s ability to distill complex social issues into vivid, heart-wrenching imagery. - Lithograph Features: - Benton’s lithographs are known for their economy of line and precision. His minimalistic approach in *Lonesome Road* serves to emphasize the emotional depth of the scene. - This lithograph is part of Benton’s body of work that communicates his most eloquent, indignant, and sad reflections on America’s social landscape. Perfect for:- Collectors of American Regionalism, historical artwork, or Depression-era art.- Art enthusiasts interested in pieces that reflect social justice and the historical struggles of African Americans in rural America.- Those seeking a powerful, thought-provoking work that tells the story of America's racial and economic history through the eyes of one of its greatest painters. This "Lonesome Road" lithograph is not just a beautiful art piece but also a meaningful representation of the hardships and inequalities that shaped American society in the 20th century. Additional Notes:- Wonderful for framing.- Image on one side of page, description on reverse.- Carefully packed and shipped for safe delivery. - Please reach out for more information or additional photos if needed.

Price: 75 USD

Location: San Jose, California

End Time: 2024-12-03T05:17:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0.5 USD