The artwork, “A Social History of the State of Missouri (detail)” by Thomas Hart Benton, created in 1936, is a significant piece within the Regionalism movement and belongs to the genre painting category. It forms part of the series “A Social History of the State of Missouri.”
In this detailed section of the artwork, Thomas Hart Benton captures vibrant scenes of daily life and labor in Missouri during the early 20th century. The foreground features a muscular farmer guiding a plow pulled by a robust mule, emphasizing the physicality and dedication of agricultural labor. Surrounding this central image are various depictions of community life, including people engaged in farming activities, a construction scene, and a cabin, illustrating the industrious spirit of the time. Benton’s dynamic composition and use of bold, sweeping lines contribute to the narrative quality of the artwork, while his choice of vivid, earthy colors enhances the sense of realism and vitality in these portrayals of rural Missouri life.
