| Lot #: 25 Thomas Hart Benton (American, 1889-1975) Oil Well |
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Circa 1950. Watercolor on paper. Signed in pencil (lower right). The present work was presented to George Freyermuth, Director of Public Relations at Esso Oil Company, New York, circa 1950, as a gift when he left the company. The work has descended in the family to the present owner. This work will be included in the forthcoming Thomas Hart Benton catalogue raisonné being prepared by the Thomas Hart Benton Catalogue Raisonné Foundation. |
| Unframed: 29 x 19 in. Framed: 42 x 31 in. |
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Provenance George Freyermuth, New York. Christie's New York: Thursday, May 22, 2003 lot 81. Important American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture. A Private Midwest Collection. |
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Condition No in-paint or restoration. |
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Auction Date Nov 29, 2023 |
| Estimate: $50,000-$80,000 |
Details:
Thomas Hart Benton (American, 1889-1975)
Thomas Hart Benton was a notable muralist in the Regionalist movement. Born in the rural town of Neosho, MO, Benton achieved fame in large cities such as Paris and New York. Widely remembered for his images representing the Midwest, Benton attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1907, after briefly working as a cartoonist. He eventually transferred to the Julian Academy in Paris, where he was influenced by the style of Diego Rivera, a prominent muralist. It was Rivera’s use of bright colors to depict socialism that inspired Benton’s style during his Regionalism years. Benton joined the Navy in 1913 as a draftsman; while there, he sketched scenes from shipyard life. In the 1920s, the artist returned to New York, and began teaching at the Art Students League. It was during this time that Benton became involved in politics and worked on the pieces for which he is most famous.
The artist’s paintings from his Kansas City years geared more toward capitalism and progress; his subject matter included railroads, cars, and city culture. Although Benton traveled the country extensively, he settled down in Kansas, which is where he remained until his death in 1975. Two years after Benton passed away, his home and studio were designated as the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site; the site is now open for public tours.
Thomas Hart Benton was a notable muralist in the Regionalist movement. Born in the rural town of Neosho, MO, Benton achieved fame in large cities such as Paris and New York. Widely remembered for his images representing the Midwest, Benton attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1907, after briefly working as a cartoonist. He eventually transferred to the Julian Academy in Paris, where he was influenced by the style of Diego Rivera, a prominent muralist. It was Rivera’s use of bright colors to depict socialism that inspired Benton’s style during his Regionalism years. Benton joined the Navy in 1913 as a draftsman; while there, he sketched scenes from shipyard life. In the 1920s, the artist returned to New York, and began teaching at the Art Students League. It was during this time that Benton became involved in politics and worked on the pieces for which he is most famous.
The artist’s paintings from his Kansas City years geared more toward capitalism and progress; his subject matter included railroads, cars, and city culture. Although Benton traveled the country extensively, he settled down in Kansas, which is where he remained until his death in 1975. Two years after Benton passed away, his home and studio were designated as the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site; the site is now open for public tours.
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