Thomas Hart Benton

Style: Regionalism; Art Deco; Post Impressionism;

Place: Neosho

Born: 1889

Death: 1975

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, an American painter and muralist, was born on April 15, 1889, in Neosho, Missouri. His family, influential in politics, instilled in him a sense of civic duty, but it was his mother, Elizabeth Wise Benton, who supported his early interest in art. After attending the Western Military Academy, Benton enrolled at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago in 1907 and later moved to Paris in 1909 to study at the Académie Julian.

Artistic Career and Regionalism

Benton's work is characterized by its fluid, sculpted figures depicting everyday people in scenes of American life. Though his art is strongly associated with the Midwestern United States, he spent time in New York City, Paris, and Martha's Vineyard, which influenced his style. As a prominent figure in the Regionalist movement, alongside Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry, Benton's work reflects a naturalistic and representational approach to art.

• Key Works:
  • Prodigal Son 1 (Regionalism), a retelling of the Biblical parable, showcasing Benton's storytelling through art.
  • Flood (Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City), demonstrating his mastery of capturing American scenes.
• Museums Featuring His Work:
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
  • View Thomas Hart Benton's Artworks on Wikioo.org
• Notable Exhibitions:
  • America Today murals at the New School for Social Research (1930-31), now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Legacy and Later Life

Benton married Rita Piacenza in 1922, with whom he had two children. His active engagement in leftist politics and his expansive Regionalist works culminated in his America Today murals. Benton passed away on January 19, 1975, leaving behind a legacy of American art that continues to inspire. Explore More Artworks by Thomas Hart Benton and Other Masters on Wikioo.org