Answer :
Final answer:
The mural series by Thomas Hart Benton was restored in 1998-1999, including his most significant work 'America Today', due to decay and damage over time, with restoration efforts closely informed by best-educated guesses of their original state.
Explanation:
In 1998-1999, the mural series by Thomas Hart Benton, particularly his most famous work, America Today, underwent a significant restoration process. This series of murals was painted in 1931 and comprises ten oversized canvas panels that dramatically capture American life across various regions and occupations.
The restoration was necessary due to the natural decay over time. For instance, murals created with different materials, like a mosaic of shell, red limestone, and lapis lazuli, suffered when their original wooden frames decayed, the panels were crushed under the weight of soil, and the bitumen used as glue disintegrated. Consequently, restorers had to undertake a carefully considered reassembly and repair process, acknowledging that their work was a best-educated guess towards the murals' original appearance.
The restoration process mirrors that of other historical works, such as the cleaning and repair of Michelangelo's frescos in the Sistine Chapel, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to preserving art for future generations. Benton's murals, particularly America Today, stand out with his use of egg tempera and oil glaze techniques to capture vivid scenes of American life during the Great Depression, making the restoration work not only a technical feat but also a cultural rejuvenation.
