Lithographs of Thomas Hart Benton: The Elman Collection

Coming Winter 2025 – Circle Auction is proud to offer an exceptional collection of lithographs by artist Thomas Hart Benton, assembled by the late Dr. Arthur Elman, a Kansas City-based oncologist and former French consul to the Midwest. Arthur was a man of myriad interests, passions, and talents, so much so that Kansas City Magazine once deemed him the most interesting man in Kansas City. In 2014, Arthur and Carolyn Elman teamed with designer Kelee Katillac to rescue the historic Henry Blosser House in Malta Bend, Missouri, which had been declared the most endangered home in the state by Governor Jay Nixon. Through years of careful preservation, renovation, and care, the 1870s homestead was restored to its former glory, curated into a landmark of thoughtful interior design and a refuge for historical objects and fine art. Among the locally-minded art collection were over 50 lithographs by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. In 2025, the Henry Blosser House was offered for sale, leaving this extensive collection of Benton imagery to find new quarters. We invite art enthusiasts everywhere to join us for this uncommon opportunity to add these outstanding American prints to your collection.