1968 "Moby Dick" Lithograph by Benton Spruance "The Albatross" (Ship)

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Original lithograph by Benton Spruance from the portfolio "Moby Dick - The Passion of Ahab" printed by The Meriden Gravure … Read more Original lithograph by Benton Spruance from the portfolio "Moby Dick - The Passion of Ahab" printed by The Meriden Gravure Company using a mix of offset and traditional lithography, and published by Barre Publishers in 1968. Spruance does not illustrate "Moby Dick" but interprets key, central actions from the novel. He considered this series of lithographs his major work, and he looked forward with understandable eagerness to the completion of this elaborate task, on which he had labored with so much love and care for so many years. Unfortunately, Benton Spruance met and unexpected and untimely death, on December 6, 1967, before the portfolio was published.

Sheet size: 22 x 16 inches; print size: 19 x 12 inches. Colophon pages are shown for authentication; included is the print's title page that quotes "Moby Dick". Mint condition new old stock from our complete copy of the portfolio "Moby Dick - The Passion of Ahab".

Benton Murdoch Spruance (1904 – 1967) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Initially studying architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, he developed a strong interest in drawing and graphic work while working in an architect’s office. This led him to pursue art more seriously. He earned scholarships to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he honed his skills in painting and printmaking. During his time there, he won the William Emlen Cresson Travelling Scholarship twice, which allowed him to study and create art in Europe. It was in Paris in 1928 that he created his first lithograph, marking the start of a lifelong focus on the medium, eventually being recognized as “the dean of Philadelphia lithographers". His artworks range from urban and social scenes to mythological, religious, and literary themes. Over his career, he produced more than 500 lithographs, many of which reflect dramatic compositions and mastery of the lithographic process, were widely exhibited during his life, and are held in major American art institutions. See less