Thomas Hart Benton
His paintings were burly. Energetic. And as uncompromising as the Midwestern landscapes and laborers they celebrated. Thomas Hart Benton depicted a self-reliant America emerging from the Depression. Ken Burns tells the bittersweet story of an extraordinary American artist who became emblematic of the price all artists must pay to remain true to their talents and themselves.
Episodes
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Thomas Hart Benton
S1 E1 - 1h 26m
His paintings were burly. Energetic. And as uncompromising as the Midwestern landscapes and laborers they celebrated. Thomas Hart Benton depicted a self-reliant America emerging from the Depression. Ken Burns tells the bittersweet story of an extraordinary American artist who became emblematic of the price all artists must pay to remain true to their talents and themselves.
Extras + Features
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Painting America
2m 7s
Thomas Hart Benton painted America. For more than seventy years he painted its cities and small towns, its farms and backwoods. He painted its people, too: faith healers and lovers, politicians and soda jerks, farmers and movie stars.
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Benton's Early Years
3m 13s
Thomas Hart Benton was born in Neosho, Missouri, into family of politicians. His mother encouraged his art, but his father was determined that Thomas become a lawyer or politician. He eventually studied art in Paris, France.
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The Missouri Mural
5m 11s
Thomas Hart Benton was commissioned to paint a mural depicting the social history of Missouri. Located in the Missouri state capitol, the honest and sometimes dark depictions of Missouri’s history resulted in some controversy.
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Earl Bennent: Benton's Work
44s
Earl Bennent talks about the beauty in Benton's work.
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Dan James: Benton's Persona
40s
Dan James discusses Benton's "He-man" persona.
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