Benton, Thomas Hart, 1889-1975

Thomas Hart Benton painting the mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. The mural is partly sketched out on the wall, and Benton is on scaffolding working on the upper right corner.

Artist Thomas Hart Benton attends former President Harry S. Truman's 80th birthday party at the Muehlebach Hotel. Others are unidentified.

Thomas Hart Benton smokes a pipe while seated in his studio in Kansas City, Missouri, with some of his paintings during an oral history interview with the Truman Library.

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) conducts an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Thomas Hart Benton is seated in his studio in Kansas City, Missouri, with some of his paintings during an oral history interview with the Truman Library.

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) is conducting an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right) in his studio in Kansas City, Missouri.

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) conducts an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) conducts an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Thomas Hart Benton works on a sketch for the mural for the Truman Library in his studio. The title of the mural is "Independence and the Opening of the West".