268

Benton Murdoch Spruance

(1904-1967)

The People Work—Morning, Noon, Evening & Night.

Set of four lithographs, 1937.
Edition of 40. Each signed "Spruance W.G.S.," titled, dated and inscribed "ed 40" in pencil by the artist's wife, Winifred Glover Spruance, lower margin. Each with the artist's estate red ink stamp, lower right. Fine/Loomey 141-44.
Each approximately 13 7/8 x 18 7/8 in. (34.7 x 48 cm.), full margins.

  • Notes:

    Often viewed as one of Spruance's most important works, The People Work is a complex narrative series depicting the commute at four times of day. Rendered in an inventive cross-section view, the prints illustrate the chaotic movement and daily intermingling of strangers one undertakes while living an urban life .

    Complete sets of the series are rare; we have found only three complete sets at auction in the past 30 years.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

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October 30, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

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