Joseph Paul Vorst (Missouri, 1897-1947) WPA era oil on board mural study painting titled "Hutchingsons Wheatbelt" depicting several workers processing bundles of wheat with a grain elevator and industrial facilities in the background. Signed "J. Vorst" lower left. Housed in a molded giltwood frame with a trapezoidal artist and title placard, lower center. Sight – 16 3/4" H x 35 3/4" W. Framed – 23 1/2" H x 42" W. American, second quarter 20th century. Provenance: Estate of Carl Klein, Brentwood, TN. Biography: "Born in Essen, Germany, Joseph Vorst was a portrait and mural painter, block printer, and illustrator. He studied at the Folkwang Academy in Essen and the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin. He settled in St. Louis, Missouri, and exhibited widely including the Corcoran Gallery biennials, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Kansas City Art Institute." (source: Peter Falk, editor, "Who Was Who in American Art."). CONDITION: Overall very good condition with minute areas of paint loss, right edge of board. Natural age shrinkage to frame.