Presidential libraries

A completed section of the mural painted by Thomas Hart Benton for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The title of the work is "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton at work on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman. The work is entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton pauses to light his pipe while working on his mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The mural is entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton, standing on scaffolding, working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton studying at sketch while working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Artist Thomas Hart Benton (right) shows color sketch of proposed mural for the lobby of the Truman Library to former President Harry S. Truman (left). In the background on the right is Thomas Jay, regional commissioner for the General Services Administration.