Persephone (study)
Artist
Thomas Hart Benton
(American, 1889 - 1975)
Date1938
MediumEgg tempera and oil on board
DimensionsUnframed: 18 1/2 × 14 3/4 inches (46.99 × 37.47 cm)
Framed: 24 × 19 3/4 × 1 7/8 inches (60.96 × 50.17 × 4.76 cm)
Framed: 24 × 19 3/4 × 1 7/8 inches (60.96 × 50.17 × 4.76 cm)
Credit LineCollection of the John W. Callison Art Trust
Object number2.2005
On View
On viewGallery Location
Gallery Label- 220
This highly finished study for Persephone suggests Thomas Hart Benton’s rigorous preparation for major works. As part of his painting process, Benton first made graphite sketches to determine compositional structure. He then painted studies to refine color relationships. He also sculpted subjects in clay to organize three-dimensional forms.
Persephone follows this study closely. Benton changed some elements, however, including the face of the male figure and Persephone’s eyes. In the final composition, her open eyes heighten the psychological tension in the painting.
CopyrightThomas Hart Benton and Rita P. Benton Testamentary Trusts / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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