Thomas H. Benton was born in Neosho, Missouri, on April 15, 1889. He was known for his dazzling use of color in paintings that captured realistic depictions of people at work, play or in repose in various habitats, often in rural settings. Some of his famous works include “America Today,” “Persephone,” “Planting” and a mural for the Missouri State Capitol. He was also teacher to Jackson Pollock. He died on January 19, 1975 in Kansas City, Mo.
