The Museum's collection of paintings by Thomas Hart Benton has increased to 26 with the addition of this portrait of his youngest sister, Mildred. Painted in 1913, Portrait of the Artist’s Sister (Mildred), reflects Benton’s work in a Realist mode years before his emergence as a leader of Regionalism. The painting is the earliest work by Benton to enter the Nelson-Atkins collection. It is on view in Gallery 217.
I have more Benton news to share with you. Previously, I reported ten murals from his American Historial Epic had been relocated to Atkins Auditorium. The space is now open and may be viewed during regular Museum hours (except for when there is a program in the auditorium).