Benton, Thomas Hart, 1889-1975

Thomas Hart Benton sketching on the mural he is painting at the Harry S. Truman Library. The mural is entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West."

Thomas Hart Benton sketching in front of his mural in the lobby at the Harry S. Truman Library.

John Martino (left) holds an ax so that Thomas Hart Benton (right) can sketch the hand and ax for his mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" at the Truman Library.

Left to right, Mrs. Dorothy Brooks (cut off by edge of photo), Thomas Hart Benton, Rita Benton, Mrs. Bess Truman, Captain Paul Westwood (in background, behind Mr. Truman) and former President Harry S. Truman at the reception for the dedication of Thomas Hart Benton's Mural at the Truman Library.

From left to right, Mrs. Rita Benton, Miss Jessie Benton, Thomas Hart Benton, Bess Truman, unidentified man, former President Harry S. Truman, and unidentified woman at the reception for the dedication of Thomas Hart Benton's mural at the Truman Library.

From left to right, Mrs. Rita Benton, Thomas Hart Benton, and Bess Wallace Truman greets guests after the ceremony dedicating Thomas Hart Benton's mural at the Harry S. Truman Library. All others are unidentified.

From left to right along right side of photo, Mrs. Rita Benton (partly obscured), Miss Jessie Benton, Thomas Hart Benton (mostly obscured), Bess Wallace Truman, and former President Harry S. Truman greet guests in the reception line after the ceremony dedicating Thomas Hart Benton's mural at the Harry S. Truman Library.

From left to right along right side of photo, Mrs. Rita Benton, Miss Jessie Benton, Thomas Hart Benton, Bess Wallace Truman, and former President Harry S. Truman greet guests in the reception line after the ceremony dedicating Mr. Benton's mural at the Harry S. Truman Library.

From left to right, Mrs. Gloria Directo gives Thomas Heart Benton a lei while Bess Wallace Truman watches in the reception line after the ceremony dedicating Benton's mural at the Harry S. Truman Library.

From left to right, Mrs. Rita Benton, Miss Jessie Benton, Thomas Hart Benton, Bess Wallace Truman, and former President Harry S. Truman (partly obscured) greet guests after the dedication of Benton's mural at the Harry S. Truman Library. All others are unidentified.