03-02-200703-03-2007
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2351Boston
March 2, 2007 12:00 PMCalender
451

Frank Weston Benson (American, 1862-1951) Fishing

Sell one like this
 
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 2351Location: BostonDate / Time: March 02, 2007 12:00PM

Description:

Frank Weston Benson (American, 1862-1951)

Fishing
Signed and dated "F...Benson, '16" l.l.
Ink, wash, and pencil en grisaille on paper, 9 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (24.8 x 29.8 cm),unframed, matted.
Condition: Toning/mat burn, scattered soiling/staining, tape adhesive at u.r. and u.l. corners, deckled lower edge.

N.B. Frank Benson was born into a prominent Salem, Massachusetts family in 1862 and studied at the Academie Julian in Paris in the 1880s. Although he trained with academic painters such as Boulanger and Lefebvre, he was also exposed to the French Impressionists. Upon returning to Boston, Benson and fellow painter Edmund Tarbell became the leaders of the Boston School, which would produce some of the most well-known American Impressionists at the turn of the century. His early career featured Impressionistic portraits and images of women (often his wife and daughters) posed a plein air.

As American artistic tastes began to evolve in the 1910s Benson's focus began to shift too, towards sporting subjects. Benson had always been an avid outdoorsman, and it was at this time that the artist began experimenting with etching and watercolors; two media he mastered very easily. His love of nature and his knowledge of hunting and fishing are readily apparent in his sporting compositions, such as the work presented here.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Keywords

Frank Weston Benson, N.B. Frank Benson, Massachusetts, Paris, Salem, Lefebvre, Edmund Tarbell, Boulanger, Boston School, fellow painter