The artwork titled “A Social History of the State of Missouri (detail) – Hay Thrower” was created by Thomas Hart Benton in 1936. This piece is a part of the Regionalism art movement and belongs to the genre of genre painting. It is included in the series “A Social History of the State of Missouri”.
The artwork vividly depicts rural and industrial scenes, reflecting everyday life in Missouri during that era. The painting captures various activities such as a man in overalls throwing hay, animals being tended to, and industrial elements like smoking chimneys and trains in the background. The dynamic composition and earth-toned palette emphasize the hardworking ethos and diverse aspects of Missouri’s social history. Benton’s skillful representation conveys a robust sense of community and labor, illustrating key elements of the Regionalism art movement.
