New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1939. First Printing. Hardcover. A Selection of One Hundred Etchings and Lithographs by the Foremost Living American Artists “The honor of putting the new tendency in motion—which amounts to the founding of a distinctly American school—belongs to a small group of original artists who, bravely and steadfastly for many years, in defiance of great opposition, have produced a body of work leading to our cultural declaration of independence,” (pg 2, introduction). Thomas Craven (1888-1969) compiled this collection of American prints to celebrate the establishment of an art school entirely separate from the influences of European art and culture. He referred to this new school as “localism,” and it has since been rebranded as Regionalism or American Regionalism. Pastoral scenes and everyday life of average Americans took center stage, and the shading and composition contributed to the impression of movement and emotion. Specific styles amongst the artists vary, but the themes and techniques connect them in a larger movement. Many feature landscapes, farm life, animals, gatherings, and aspects of American life that may not be widely known. From states like Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and New York, artists found their surroundings to be beautiful in their simplicity. The reverse side of each print lists the title and artist, and Craven provides a short description with context and criticism about the piece and the artist. He highlights several featured artists in the introduction: Thomas Benton (1889-1975), John Steuart Curry (1897-1946), Reginald Marsh (1898-1954), Grant Wood (1891-1942). Also featured are the popular realist Edward Hopper (1882-1957) and Paul Cadmus (1904-1999). Retained inside the cover is a page from the art section of the New York Times published Sunday, May 8, 1955. Included on this page is an article by Howard Deveree about an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Francisco Goya; an article by Eric Newton describing a newspaper exhibition of young artists to “discover hidden talent”; and an article by Stuart Preston promoting several upcoming exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the City Center Art Gallery. A collage of ads for even more artist exhibitions fills out the rest of the page. The reverse features the radio programming schedule, and the page is folded in quarters. From the collection of Russell Taylor Weil (b. 1927), a prominent retired attorney & collector from Washington, DC. Large-Format Hardcover Spiralbound, no slipcase: First Edition. Book is in Good condition with moderate shelf-wear and scuffing to front, back covers and spine; moderate bumping to fine edges and corners of same; inside the front cover, along the spiral rings, the lining has begun peeling; mild rusting has affected the spiral rings sporadically; pages are crisp and clean with only a very mild browning to the page edges. An extra handling fee will be added for shipping due to the weight of this item. Good - Near Fine. [Item #5682]

Price: $45.00