Thomas Hart Benton, celebrated for his murals and paintings, is also a revered figure in the world of lithography. Between 1929 and 1974, he created almost 100 lithographs that captured the essence of American culture, landscape, and folklore.

Benton saw great value in the affordability of prints, aligning with his vision of making art accessible to all. Through the Associated American Artists (AAA), his lithographs, typically produced in editions of 250, broke the notion that art was exclusive to the affluent. These works were sold in department stores and via mail orders, making it possible for everyday collectors to own a signed Benton lithograph for as little as $5.

Today, Benton’s lithographs are not just historical artifacts but prized possessions in prestigious museums like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City. Their value has escalated considerably, reflecting their demand and rarity.

Current Market Values of Thomas Hart Benton Lithographs:

The value of Benton’s lithographs has surged over time, mirroring the trend seen with his paintings. On the low end, pencil-signed Benton lithographs will sell for $1000-2,500 (given its condition isn’t a problem). More typically, a good quality Benton litho sought after by collectors generally sells in the  $2,500 to $6,000 range, while the best of the best can sell well into five figures.

Two factors that consistently have an influence on Benton prices include:

1. Imagery: Lithographs featuring steam locomotives are particularly coveted.
2. Edition Size: Smaller edition sizes equate to rarity, thereby increasing value.

Most Valuable Thomas Hart Benton Lithographs:

Several of Benton’s lithographs stand out in the market, particularly those depicting steam locomotives. Notable pieces like “Going West” (1934), “Jesse James” (1936), “The Race” (1942), “Wreck of the Ol’ 97” (1944), and “Running Horses” (1955) regularly exceed $10,000, with some surpassing $20,000.

Most of Benton’s lithographs were printed in editions of 250. Prints from smaller edition runs are highly sought after for their increased rarety. For instance, “The Station” (1929, edition of 110), “Coming Round the Mountain” (1931, edition of 75), “Frankie and Johnnie” (1936, edition of 100), “Huck Finn” (1936, edition of 100), and “Departure of the Joads” (1939, edition of 100) consistently achieve prices above $5,000, often crossing the $10,000 threshold.

In summary, Thomas Hart Benton lithographs have transitioned from affordable art pieces to valuable collector’s items, with certain themes and limited editions being particularly influential in determining their market value today.