Master of the Pequod 1967

Benton Spruance made this lithograph, "Master of the Pequod", by drawing with a greasy crayon onto a flat slab of limestone, before printing it onto paper. The stark visual impact of the print relies on the contrast between the solid areas of tone and the crisp white of the ground, creating a dramatic sense of light and shadow. The lithographic process is key to this effect. It allows for a wide range of tonal variation, from deep blacks to subtle grays, achieved through the artist's control of pressure and texture on the stone. The grainy texture further enhances the work's expressive quality, lending a sense of depth and atmosphere to the weathered face and hat. Spruance clearly engaged with the social context of his time, imbuing the image with a sense of gravitas that speaks to the harsh realities of work, and the psychological toll it takes on the individual. By focusing on process and materiality, we can better appreciate the social significance embedded within this compelling image, challenging any hierarchy between fine art and craft.