Thomas Hart Benton

The Missouri Mural

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.

The Missouri Mural

5m 11s

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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.

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