Thomas Hart Benton

Benton's Early Years

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.

Benton's Early Years

3m 13s

  • 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.

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.