Thomas Hart Benton 1889-1975

Thomas Hart Benton first traveled to Martha’s Vineyard in 1920, far ahead of the crowds that eventually transformed it into a popular vacation destination. The region had a profound impact on the artist, prompting him to later purchase a cottage in the town of Chilmark. A dynamic example of Benton’s nature subjects, The Brook (1969) was produced in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard, where the artist entered a highly prolific period of his career. Benton’s lush portrayal of the natural world contrasts with the industrial purpose of King’s Paint Mill, founded north of Roaring Brook to transform clay deposits into powder used to make paint. In the present work, Benton painted in controlled but lively strokes, reflecting the sinuous curves of the flowing brook.