Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton was an American painter and muralist born in 1889 in Neosho, Missouri, and he passed away in 1975. He was a prominent figure in the Regionalist art movement, which sought to depict everyday life in rural America during the early to mid-20th century. Benton's work is characterized by its dynamic compositions and vivid portrayal of American scenes, often highlighting the social and economic issues of his time. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and later in Paris, where he was influenced by the modernist movements before returning to the United States to develop his distinctive style. Benton's murals, such as those in the Missouri State Capitol and the New School for Social Research in New York, are considered significant contributions to American art. His influence extended to his role as a teacher, most notably mentoring Jackson Pollock, who would become a leading figure in Abstract Expressionism.