Associated American Artists Lithograph

Q: I have a lithograph published by Associated American Artists. I’ve seen some sell for thousands of dollars. Can you tell me something about this group?

A: During the Depression, most people couldn’t afford fine art, so Reeves Lewenthal founded Associated American Artists in 1934 to provide art for the middle class. He hired well-known American artists, including Thomas Hart Benton and Grant Wood, to make lithographs, which were reproduced and sold in department stores. Later, the art was sold in the Associated American Artists gallery in New York City and by mail order. Watercolors, oil paintings and other works, including home furnishings and accessories, were also sold. Prints originally sold for $5 unframed and $7 framed. Today some sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the artist.