“Persephone” is an artwork created by Thomas Hart Benton in 1939. This piece belongs to the Regionalism art movement and falls within the genres of mythological painting and nude painting (nu).
The artwork portrays a mythological scene with a central figure, a nude female, reclining on a blanket with her head resting on her hand. She appears to be in a state of serene contemplation. Surrounding her are lush, green foliage and a tranquil body of water that winds through the landscape. In the background, farmland and workers are visible, contributing to the rural, idyllic setting characteristic of Regionalism. An older male figure, clothed and positioned behind the reclining female, looks intently towards her, providing a narrative tension to the peaceful scene. The detailed rendering of textures and the harmonious composition of elements exemplify Benton’s distinctive style, merging mythological themes with a distinctly American pastoral backdrop.
