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Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton

Season 1 Episode 1 | 1hr 26m 53s

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.

Aired: 10/31/89
General Motors Corporation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; PBS; Equitable Financial Companies; the National Endowment for the Humanities; Jules and Doris Stein Foundation; Gerald and Virginia Oppenheimer
Extras
Watch • 5:11
Thomas Hart Benton
The Missouri Mural
Benton was commissioned to paint a mural depicting the social history of Missouri.
Clip: S1 E1 | 5:11
Watch • 3:13
Thomas Hart Benton
Benton's Early Years
Thomas Hart Benton was born in Neosho, Missouri, into family of politicians.
Clip: S1 E1 | 3:13
Watch • 2:07
Thomas Hart Benton
Painting America
For more than seventy years Thomas Hart Benton painted America's towns and its people.
Clip: S1 E1 | 2:07
Watch • 0:40
Thomas Hart Benton
Dan James: Benton's Persona
Dan James discusses Benton's "He-man" persona.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:40
Watch • 0:44
Thomas Hart Benton
Earl Bennent: Benton's Work
Earl Bennent talks about the beauty in Benton's work.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:44