Unemployment, Radical Protest, Speed 1932

"Unemployment, Radical Protest, Speed" (1932) by Thomas Hart Benton is a dynamic, powerful work depicting the anxieties of the Great Depression. The artwork features a multitude of figures engaged in various activities against a backdrop of industrial cityscape. A woman driving a car, a man jumping from a building, and a figure holding a sign all depict the struggles of the era. Benton’s signature style, characterized by robust figures and vivid colors, is prominent in this artwork, conveying the turbulent emotions of the time. This piece reflects Benton's interest in the social and political issues of his time, showcasing the reality of unemployment and the struggles of the working class in the 1930s. The artwork’s visual language, bold and impactful, makes a strong statement about the social anxieties prevalent in the early 20th century.