The Artist’s Show, Washington Square Park
Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975)

Thomas Hart Benton was an American painter at the vanguard of the Regionalist movement. Beginning in the 1930s, the Regionalists celebrated a fluid, natural style of painting, depicting everyday scenes of life in the United States. Benton’s piece The Artist’s Show, Washington Square Park portrays the Washington Square Art Show which has been held at the end of every summer for 80 years.

The piece is tempera on paper laid down on board and it is 13-3/4 inches by 16-3/8 inches, signed “Benton ‘45” on the lower left. It was purchased by Christie’s New York on May 20, 1987. The painting was also included in Bruce Weber’s 2005 book Paintings of New York, showcasing 79 artists and their interpretations of New York City lifestyle and culture.