Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Frank-Weston Benson Biography
Frank Weston Benson, frequently referred to as Frank W. Benson, was a pivotal figure in American art, known for his realistic portraits, American Impressionist paintings, watercolors, and etchings. Born on March 24, 1862, in Salem, Massachusetts, Benson hailed from a lineage of sea captains and was the son of George Wiggin Benson, a successful cotton broker, and Elisabeth Poole. His upbringing in a prosperous seafaring family instilled in him a deep appreciation for the sea and nature, which would later become central themes in his artwork.
Benson's artistic journey began at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where he studied under Otto Grundmann and Frederic Crowninshield. His education continued in Paris at the prestigious Académie Julian, where he was taught by renowned artists such as Jules-Joseph Lefebvre, William Turner Dannat, and Gustave Boulanger. Boulanger, in particular, recognized Benson's potential, famously telling him, "Young man, your career is in your hands... you will do very well." This encouragement, coupled with his exposure to the works of masters like Johannes Vermeer and Diego Velázquez, deeply influenced Benson's artistic development.
Upon returning to the United States, Benson began a distinguished career as an instructor and department head at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He also co-founded the Ten American Painters, an influential group of American Impressionists, and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and The Guild of Boston Artists.
Benson's early career was marked by his portraits of distinguished families and murals for the Library of Congress. However, it was his outdoor works, particularly those depicting his family at their summer home, Wooster Farm, on the island of North Haven, Maine, that garnered him widespread acclaim. These paintings, characterized by their use of light and serene depictions of leisurely summer days, are considered some of his most memorable works. His daughters, often dressed in flowing white dresses, became recurring subjects, embodying the idyllic and luminous qualities of American Impressionism.
Throughout his career, Benson experimented with various mediums, bringing his signature style to etchings, lithographs, and watercolors. His etchings of wildfowl, inspired by his love for hunting and nature, received numerous prizes and were highly sought after by collectors. Despite the demand for his earlier works, Benson continually sought new subjects and techniques, reflecting his dedication to artistic growth and exploration.
Benson's contributions to American art were recognized with numerous awards, including the Hallgarten Prize at the National Academy of Design and a Columbian Exposition Medal. His works have been featured in the collections of prestigious institutions such as The National Gallery of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and The Met, among others.
In his personal life, Benson was married to Ellen Perry Peirson, with whom he had a family that often featured in his paintings. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying sailing, fishing, and hunting, activities that not only provided recreation but also artistic inspiration. His love for the outdoors was evident in his works, which often captured the beauty and tranquility of the New England landscape.
Frank W. Benson passed away on November 15, 1951, in Salem, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His dedication to capturing the interplay of light and nature, his mastery of various artistic mediums, and his role as an educator have cemented his status as one of America's most celebrated Impressionist painters. Benson's work remains a testament to the beauty of the American landscape and the enduring appeal of Impressionist art.
Frank-Weston Benson Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: