Spruance, Benton Murdoch "Living Rocks"

Benton Murdoch Spruance (1904-1967). “Living Rocks.” 

1963.  18 ¼ x 25 ½.  Color lithograph.  Signed, titled and inscribed in pencil by the artist: “for Ann and Tommy –Nov 4-1967,  Love – Ben.”  Rich impression on full sheet.  Edition: 30.  Faint mat burn in margins.  Else, fine condition.  Fine & Looney: 457. 

Benton Spruance (1904-1967) was an artist and art teacher.  His most notable artistic achievements were his strong and dramatic lithographs.  In the 1920’s and 1930’s Spruance produced naturalistic, black and white images, later turning to more metaphysical themes and the use of colored lithography.  Ref: Ruth E. Fine and Robert F. Looney’s The Prints of Benton Murdoch Spruance.  A Catalogue Raisonne.