BENTON SPRUANCE The Delight, 1968

“The Delight” by Benton Spruance is a rare color lithograph printed in 1968 from an edition of only 50 impressions. This work is one of twenty-six lithographs from the celebrated Moby Dick: Passion of Ahab series, inspired by Herman Melville’s legendary novel. Spruance passed away unexpectedly prior to the completion of the publication, making the series especially significant within the artist’s body of work.

Born in Philadelphia, Spruance was one of America’s foremost innovators in color lithography, known for combining expressive draftsmanship with themes drawn from mythology, religion, literature, and portraiture. Beyond his artistic accomplishments, he was a major advocate for artists’ rights and community engagement, helping found the Philadelphia chapter of Artists Equity. His prints stand today as both powerful visual statements and important records of mid-century American artistic culture.

“The Delight” reflects Spruance’s emotionally charged style, balancing lyrical movement with psychological depth. Printed during the pre-digital printmaking era, the lithograph possesses the rich tonal quality and tactile surface that distinguish traditional studio lithography from later reproductions.

An important and scarce example of American figurative printmaking by one of the twentieth century’s most respected lithographers. Framing available upon request.