Thomas Hart Benton 1889-1975
40.6 x 50.8 cm
This work will be included in the forthcoming Thomas Hart Benton catalogue raisonne being prepared by the Thomas Hart Benton Catalogue Raisonne Foundation.
Thomas Hart Benton's Forward Pass depicts quarterback Len Dawson heaving a pass downfield during the Kansas City Chief's only Super Bowl victory in 1970, in which they defeated the Minnesota Vikings. Just a few years prior, in 1968, Benton suddenly developed an enthusiasm for American football and the inherent vitality of the sport. The artist was an avid follower of the Kansas City Chiefs, and with the permission of Coach Hank Stram, he was permitted to sit on the team bench during practice and pregame warm-ups. Enthralled observing the athletes in motion, Benton created studies based on his drawings of the team in action, as well as drawings he had made in Europe after an Etruscan battle scene. His admiration for Dawson reveals itself in this study, where the quarterback is depicted in motion, at the pivotal moment where he must either find an open receiver or risk a potential sack from the charging defenders.
Provenance
Spanierman Gallery, LLC, New York; Private Collection, acquired from the above; Sotheby's, New York, 24 May 2001, lot 70, sold by the above; Acquired by the present owner from the above; Christie's, New York, 21 November 2017, lot 10, sold by the above