The artwork, titled “A Social History of the State of Missouri (detail),” was created by Thomas Hart Benton in 1936. It belongs to the Regionalism art movement and is classified as a genre painting. This piece is part of a larger series called “A Social History of the State of Missouri.”
In this vivid and dynamic portrayal, the artwork captures scenes of daily life and labor in rural Missouri. The composition features various figures engaged in agricultural activities, creating a bustling depiction of farm life. Prominent in the foreground is a robust farmer guiding a plow pulled by a mule, exemplifying the hard work and determination of the rural populace. Behind him, other farmers are seen toiling the land and tending to farm animals. The painting’s rich details and vibrant colors contribute to a sense of movement and vitality, emphasizing the artist’s celebration of the resilience and spirit of the people in Missouri during this period.
