Culture

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.

Thomas Hart Benton

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.

Episodes

  • Thomas Hart Benton: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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

  • Painting America: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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.

  • Benton's Early Years: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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.

  • The Missouri Mural: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.