FLETCHER MARTIN (American, 1904 – 1979). Title: “Spring Fantasia” – 1951. Medium: Original Lithograph on colored laid paper. Signature: Signed in the plate. Edition: Limited Edition of 2000, not individually numbered. Size: About 12 x 9 inches. Printer: Artist Equity Funds, Inc. Publisher: Artist Equity Association. Notes: Part of the Improvisations Portfolio (for the Spring Fantasia Masquerade Ball in New York) published by the Artist Equity Association. The portfolio consisted of advertisements for local New York City businesses where each advertisement was an original lithograph: Each page was designed by the artist directly on the litho plate, thus making this a collection of original lithographs. This Original Lithograph was produced for an annual art event in the 1950’s for local businesses and major corporations largely based in New York. Historically important for corporate archivists, these are extremely rare to locate and are virtually unseen individually. The original lithographs were produced in only one edition, and included just 2,000. These lithographs are perhaps the most unique, rare, important advertising collectibles that exist for businesses and corporations. Fletcher Martin (April 19, 1904 – May 30, 1979), was an American painter, illustrator, muralist and educator. He is best known for his images of military life during World War II and his sometimes brutal images of boxing and other sports. Martin worked as a printer in Los Angeles in the late 1920s, and as an assistant to Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros in the early 1930s. He taught at local art schools such as Otis Art Institute. During his career he was a visiting instructor or artist-in-residence at the University of Florida, State University of Iowa, the University of Minnesota, San Antonio Art Institute, and Washington State University. He received prizes from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1935 (for Rural Family) and 1939 (for A Lad from the Fleet); the 1947 Lippincott Prize from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (for Dancer Dressing); and the 1949 Altman Prize from the National Academy of Design (for Cherry Twice). He was elected an associate of the National Academy of Design in 1969, and a full academician in 1974.
