Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton, an influential American painter, muralist, and printmaker, was a leading figure in the Regionalist art movement. Born in Neosho, Missouri, Benton’s work celebrated the everyday life and culture of the American Midwest. Despite drawing influence from modernist art, Benton’s style was distinct and recognizable. He also played a significant role as an art educator, notably at the Art Students League of New York, where Jackson Pollock was among his students.

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Benton's work was not only celebrated for its portrayal of American life but also for its political content, which often sparked controversy. He was the first artist to be featured on the cover of Time magazine on December 24, 1934, solidifying his status as one of America's leading artists of the time.

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