Alvin Johnson
This sketch is one of dozens of drawings that Benton used to compose his mural America Today, also in the Museum’s collection (2012.478a–j), and commissioned by Alvin Johnson, the director of the New School. In Notes on the New School, Johnson relates: "Benton, in spite of his long sojourn abroad, remained uncharacteristically American as Mark Twain or Walt Whitman . . . [He] chose to depict the tremendous burst of human energy and mechanical power that characterizes the present phase of economic life in America." Benton drew this portrait of Johnson in preparation for the commemorative toast scene at lower right in the City Activities with Dance Hall mural panel. Benton (standing) and Johnson clink their glasses in celebration of the completed murals.
Artwork Details
- Title: Alvin Johnson
- Artist: Thomas Hart Benton (American, Neosho, Missouri 1889–1975 Kansas City, Missouri)
- Date: 1929
- Medium: Graphite on paper
- Dimensions: 14 1/2 × 10 3/8 in. (36.8 × 26.4 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Gift of AXA Equitable, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.425.5
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Thomas Hart Benton
1944
Thomas Hart Benton
1943
Thomas Hart Benton
1934
Thomas Hart Benton
1939
Thomas Hart Benton
1937
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.