Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975)

Ten Pound Hammer

1967

The lithograph signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right is from an edition of 300 prints published by Associated American Artists on Rives watermarked paper, Fath 79.

Benton's notes for this piece read, ''Old story from my youth - before the steam hammer beat out John Henry.'.'

The folklore story of John Henry is told in Blues songs and other storytelling devices. John Henry, an African American 'steel drivin' man, pitted his prowess against a steam-powered rock drilling machine (a jackhammer) in cutting a tunnel through rock for the railroad. John Henry won the race but lost his life in victory from the stress of his exertion.

Image size 13.75 x 9.75, the sheet measures 18 x 13 inches.

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Very good to fine condition, the full untrimmed sheet, not laid down, no damage, stain, puncture or repair. unframed.