Thomas Hart Benton was an influential American painter, printmaker, and muralist whose works are synonymous with the Regionalist art movement. Born on April 15, 1889, in Neosho, Missouri, Benton hailed from a politically influential family, which included his great-uncle, the renowned U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton. This heritage imbued him with a profound sense of American history and culture, which would later become the backbone of his artistic endeavors. Benton’s journey in the arts began at the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by further studies at the Académie Julian in Paris. While in Europe, he was exposed to and experimented with modernist styles. However, Benton eventually chose to forge his path, one that distinctly celebrated American life and landscapes, diverging from the European avant-garde.

The 1930s and 1940s were particularly prolific periods for Benton, during which he produced a significant body of work that depicted the everyday experiences of ordinary Americans. His paintings and murals from this era are characterized by their dynamic compositions, robust figures, and a palpable sense of movement and vitality. Benton’s art not only documented the economic and social conditions of the time but also provided a narrative of resilience and strength. His works often highlighted the struggles and triumphs of rural America, offering a vivid commentary on the American spirit during the Great Depression.

The lithograph “Threshing,” offered here, is one of Benton’s notable pieces created in 1939. This print captures a group of farmers engaged in the arduous task of separating grain from stalks. “Threshing” is emblematic of Benton’s focus on the labor and lives of rural workers. The lithograph is marked by Benton’s characteristic use of strong, sweeping lines and dramatic contrasts, which emphasize the physical effort involved in the agricultural process. The figures are depicted with muscular intensity, reflecting Benton’s admiration for the strength and endurance of the American farmer. However, this lithograph also comments on the evolution of agriculture and the land through the representation of the bygone era, specifically showing, “the increased mechanization of harvesting, the steam thresher billow black smoke that snakes across the horizon. The smoke echoes the rolling curve of the land and that of the white clouds from which it is so dramatically offset.” Additionally, in the catalogue raisonne, “The Lithographs of Thomas Hart Benton,” by Creekmore Fath, a copied note inscription written by Benton is reproduced on the page discussing the print, “Threshing,” the note reads: “Made from a series of drawings and paintings done in 1938. The scene represents the last steam thresher engine to be operated in Johnson County, Kansas. The area represented is within 25 miles of my K.C. home, we were still near the county here in 1938… Every bit of this land is now uprooting ranch houses and swim pools.” This piece, like many of Benton’s works, serves as both an artistic and historical document, encapsulating a moment in American agricultural life with remarkable clarity and emotion.

Benton’s legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements; he played a crucial role in shaping the American art scene by championing a style that was accessible and deeply rooted in American themes. His murals, such as those in the Missouri State Capitol and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, resonate with a sense of place and identity, celebrating the diverse and multifaceted nature of American life. His dedication to portraying the American experience with honesty and vigor has left an indelible mark on the art world. Through his dynamic compositions and evocative imagery, Benton captured the essence of an era, immortalizing the spirit of a nation in his work. His art continues to inspire and inform, offering a window into the heart of America and the lives of its people.