Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Thomas Hart Benton, ink, 1945
Untitled, by Thomas Hart Benton, ink, 1945

Untitled is an ink print by Thomas Hart Benton. It dates from 1945 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1945 lithograph by Thomas Hart Benton presents a serene rural scene in black and white, featuring a woman gathering items by a fence and a horseman riding past snowy haystacks, set against a distant landscape with trees and a church under a cloudy sky.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a moment of everyday life in the American Midwest, reflecting Benton's Regionalist focus. The quiet, labor-related activities of the figures emphasize the ordinary and the connection to the land.

Technique & Style

Benton employed sharp lines and heavy shading to create a sense of solidity. The haystacks, while rendered with geometric simplicity bordering on abstraction, remain integrated into the farm's realistic setting, showcasing Benton's balance between form and context.

History & Provenance

Created in 1945, the lithograph is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting its significance within Benton's oeuvre and the broader Regionalist movement.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Hart Benton

Artist

Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton (April 15, 1889 – January 19, 1975) was an American painter, muralist, and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.