The artwork, entitled “Self Portrait,” was created by Thomas Hart Benton in 1934. It belongs to the Regionalism art movement and is classified as a self-portrait.
In the artwork, the artist depicts himself seated before an easel, deeply engrossed in the act of painting. Benton’s intense gaze is directed towards the canvas, capturing the seriousness and concentration involved in his craft. He is depicted wearing a warm, brownish-red jacket over a white shirt, his right hand firmly grasping a paintbrush poised with purpose. The background is rendered in somber tones, allowing Benton’s figure to emerge prominently. The use of shadows and the rich texture of the clothing and skin highlight Benton’s mastery of form and detail, quintessential traits of the Regionalism movement. The strong, almost sculptural quality of the painting underscores Benton’s technical prowess and his keen understanding of human expression.
