Description
Departure of the Joads, 1939
Artist: Thomas Hart Benton
Lithograph
18 1/4 x 12 3/4 inches
Signed in pencil lower right
Thomas Hart Benton’s lithograph “Departure of the Joads” vividly depicts the Joad family’s dramatic exodus from Oklahoma, capturing the essence of their struggle and hope. The artwork showcases Benton’s signature Regionalist style with bold lines and dynamic composition. This piece powerfully conveys the hardship and resilience of the Dust Bowl migration.
Benton wrote: “I sought to convey the profound sense of displacement and struggle faced by those fleeing the Dust Bowl. The image is meant to evoke the desperation and determination of these people as they leave behind their homes in search of a better future.”
