Tennessee Belle c. 1939

"Tennessee Belle" is a pen and ink drawing created by American artist Thomas Hart Benton circa 1939. The work depicts a side view of a steamboat, likely on the Mississippi River, with thick smoke rising from its smokestacks. Benton is known for his depictions of American regionalism and everyday life, often capturing the working class and rural America. The drawing's bold lines and simplified forms create a dynamic composition that showcases the vessel's power and presence. This drawing is characteristic of Benton's style, known for its use of black ink and shading, which conveys a sense of depth and realism.