Benton, Thomas Hart, 1889-1975

From left to right, former President Harry S. Truman, Thomas Hart Benton, Philip C. Brooks (Truman Library Director), and Thomas Jay looking at a sketch of the mural that Mr. Benton will paint on the wall of the lobby of the Truman Presidential Library.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and Thomas Jay (center) being shown color sketch of the mural to be painted by Thomas Hart Benton (right) on the wall of the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and Thomas Jay (center) being shown color sketch of the Truman Presidential Library Mural to be painted by Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Thomas Hart Benton (right) facing the wall where the his mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," is to be painted in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, while Sidney Larson (left) holds a small mockup of the mural.

Thomas Hart Benton (right) on scaffolding in front of the sketch of his mural in the lobby of the Truman Presidential Library while an unidentified man (left) looks on.

Unidentified man (bottom right) taking picture of artist Thomas Hart Benton (top left) while on scaffolding at the site of the Truman Presidential Library Mural.

Thomas Hart Benton on scaffolding, beginning work on his mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Thomas Hart Benton on scaffolding, painting the mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Thomas Hart Benton on scaffolding, painting the mural in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Sidney Larson (left) sketching on the lobby wall of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. The sketch is being done in preparation for painting of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," by Thomas Hart Benton. Mr. Benton is in the far upper right corner of the photo.