Mural painting and decoration

Thomas Hart Benton stands on the floor near the ladder, working on his mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," that is located in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. He is being assisted by Milton Perry, the curator of the museum, who is at the left of the photo. Two unidentified men are also shown.

At the left, Thomas Hart Benton is working on the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," in the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. He is being assisted by Milton Perry, on the scaffolding, who was the curator of the Truman Library.

Artist Thomas Hart Benton (left) is being assisted by Milton Perry (on scaffolding, center), the museum curator as he works on the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. Guard Leon Cox is watching from the floor.

Thomas Hart Benton (on scaffolding at bottom right) working on the mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. The mural is entitled, "Independence and the Opening of the West."

Thomas Hart Benton (on lower level of scaffolding at right) at work on the mural in the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, "Independence and the Opening of the West."

Sketch of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," by Thomas Hart Benton.

Sketch of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," by Thomas Hart Benton.

Sketch of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," by Thomas Hart Benton.

Clay model of the Thomas Hart Benton mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West."

Sketch of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," by Thomas Hart Benton.