264

Herman Volz

(1904-1990)

Pier 39.

Lithograph, 1940.
Signed, titled and numbered 130/150 in pencil, lower margin. Published by the San Francisco Chronicle, Contemporary Graphics, March 10, 1940.
Image: 8 7/8 x 12 in. (22.5 x 30.4 cm.), full margins.

  • Notes:
    On March 10, 1940, the San Francisco Chronicle launched a print distribution project called Contemporary Graphics, offering prints to the general public for prices as low as $2, modeled after the success of New York based subscription print publishing group, Associated American Artists. The first promotion release states "The Chronicle believes that the average Western home would contain examples of the work of contemporary artists were it possible for the average man to buy works of art. Many homes contain reproductions of one kind or another, but reproductions are not as satisfactory as originals, and neither do they as a rule supply the artist with money for rent and groceries." This was the first lithograph to be offered. Unfortunately, the project lasted less than a month due to low print sales.
  • Condition:
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January 29, 2026 12:00 PM EST
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