This is William Gropper’s portrayal of John Henry, the African-American folk hero. John Henry is said to have worked as a “steel-driving man”—a man tasked with hammering a steel drill into rock to make holes for explosives to blast the rock in constructing a railroad tunnel. According to legend, John Henry’s prowess as a steel-driver was measured in a race against a steam-powered rock drilling machine, a race that he won only to die in victory with hammer in hand as his heart gave out from stress.
Medium:
Lithograph in black ink on tan wove paper Publisher:
Covici, Friede, New York Date:
1977 Signature:
Signed in the stone en recto lower right. Titled in the stone en recto lower left. Edition:
One of the unnumbered edition of 150. Framing:
Floated in a solid Walnut frame behind 99% UV-filtering Plexiglass with rag spacers. All conservation materials. Condition:
Excellent condition. Modest age toning and edgewear without impact to the image. Framed Size:
20.75 in. (h) x 15 in. (w) x 1.25 in. (d) Image Size:
14.5 in. (h) x 9 in. (w) Literature: Catalogue: Emiliano Sorini, William Gropper: Catalogue Raisonné of the Etchings p. 149.
John Henry
$600.00
William Gropper (American)
Sold
Description
This is William Gropper’s portrayal of John Henry, the African-American folk hero. John Henry is said to have worked as a “steel-driving man”—a man tasked with hammering a steel drill into rock to make holes for explosives to blast the rock in constructing a railroad tunnel. According to legend, John Henry’s prowess as a steel-driver was measured in a race against a steam-powered rock drilling machine, a race that he won only to die in victory with hammer in hand as his heart gave out from stress.
Additional information
Modern Print-Makers
Very Good Condition
1970-1980
Custom framed and matted using conservation materials
Lithograph
Details
Medium:
Lithograph in black ink on tan wove paper
Publisher:
Covici, Friede, New York
Date:
1977
Signature:
Signed in the stone en recto lower right. Titled in the stone en recto lower left.
Edition:
One of the unnumbered edition of 150.
Framing:
Floated in a solid Walnut frame behind 99% UV-filtering Plexiglass with rag spacers. All conservation materials.
Condition:
Excellent condition. Modest age toning and edgewear without impact to the image.
Framed Size:
20.75 in. (h) x 15 in. (w) x 1.25 in. (d)
Image Size:
14.5 in. (h) x 9 in. (w)
Literature:
Catalogue: Emiliano Sorini, William Gropper: Catalogue Raisonné of the Etchings p. 149.
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