Mural painting and decoration

A sketch painted by Thomas Hart Benton as a study for his mural for the Harry S. Truman Library. Original size of sketch is 30 inches by 20 inches and is signed "BENTON" in the lower right corner. This object is in the Truman Library Museum Collection. Donor of object: Thomas Hart Benton Estate.

Mural artist Thomas Hart Benton sketching a model, doing preparatory work for his mural for the Harry S. Truman Library. Donor: Charles Banks Wilson

Mural artist Thomas Hart Benton with dead branch along the old Santa Fe Trail, studying for his mural for the Truman Library. Donor: Charles Banks Wilson

Thomas Hart Benton at work on the lower part of his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The mural is titled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Thomas Hart Benton at work on the lower part of his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The mural is titled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Color view of the mural by Thomas Hart Benton, \"Independence and the Opening of the West\"" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. Permission to publish an image of the mural must be obtained from VAGA. "

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and painter Thomas Hart Benton stand in front of Mr. Benton's mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West", in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. They are attending the dedication of the mural.

Copy of the mural sketch by Thomas Hart Benton of the mural "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton (right), standing on scaffolding, working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The mural is entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

A completed section of the mural painted by Thomas Hart Benton for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The title of the work is "Independence and the Opening of the West".