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.