Forward Pass 1944

Benton Spruance made this lithograph, Forward Pass. The process of lithography involves drawing with a grease crayon onto a prepared stone or metal plate, which is then treated with chemicals to allow ink to adhere only to the drawn areas. In this print, the material qualities achieved through lithography, such as the slightly granular texture and the subtle gradations of tone, give the image a sense of depth and dynamism. Spruance's skilled use of shading and line work enhances the muscularity of the figures and the intensity of the game. The medium allowed him to create bold contrasts and graphic clarity, which emphasizes the motion and physicality of the football players. This choice of medium is relevant to the subject matter, as lithography was often used for mass production, making it a fitting choice for depicting a popular sport and its cultural context. Considering the materials and making of this print helps us see how Spruance elevated a scene of everyday life to a work of art.