American Epics: Thomas Hart Benton and Hollywood

Thomas Hart Benton, “Portrait of a Musician”, 1949. Casein, egg tempera, and oil varnish on canvas, mounted on wood panel. 48 1⁄ 2 × 32 in. (123.2 × 81.3 cm). Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Missouri–Columbia, Anonymous gift, 67.136. Art © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank Trustee/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Thomas Hart Benton, “Hollywood”, 1937–38. Tempera with oil on canvas, mounted on panel. 56 × 84 in. (142.2 × 213.4 cm). The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, Bequest of the artist, F75-21/12. Photo by Jamison Miller. Art © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank. Trustee/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Thomas Hart Benton, “People of Chilmark (Figure Composition)”, 1920. Oil on canvas. 65 5/8 × 77 5/8 in. (166.5 × 197.3 cm). Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington. Gift of the Joseph H. Hirshhorn Foundation, 1966, 66.468. Photo by Cathy Carver.

Thomas Hart Benton, “Shipping Out”, 1942. Oil on canvas. 40 × 28 1/2 in. (101.6 × 72.4 cm). Private Collection. Photo by Chip Cooper. Art © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank. Trustee/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Thomas Hart Benton, “Self-Portrait with Rita”, c. 1924. Oil on canvas. 49 × 39 3/8 in. (124.5 × 99.9 cm). National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Mooney, NPG.75.30. Photo courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution/Art Resource, NY. Art © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank Trustee/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY [THB-009]

Thomas Hart Benton, “Poker Night (from A Streetcar Named Desire)”, 1948. Tempera and oil on linen mounted on composition board. 36.00 x 48.00 in; Frame: 44.75 x 56.81 x 3.13 in. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Mrs. Percy Uris Bequest 85.49.2. Art © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank Trustee/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY