Description

Description: On May 8th, 1971 the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp commemorating the 150th anniversary of Missouri statehood. The stamp depicts a Pawnee facing western settlers and is based on a Benton mural on display in the Harry Truman Library in Independence, MO.

On May 21st, Thomas Hart Benton apparently used this stamp on a letter to his cousin Blanch and states: “Note the stamp Rita [his wife] says. It makes me one of the causes of inflation — or so they say. (I am responsible for raising postage from six to eight cents)”.

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), the American artist and muralist, was a full member of the National Academy of Design. He is most associated with his embrace of the Regionalist art movement.

This full-page autograph letter signed is on a 10 1/2″ x 7 1/4″ sheet of personal stationery imprinted with his name and address. He has signed familiarly “Tom”. Item #A01258

Condition: Fold lines, otherwise fine condition.