$50,363
Frank Weston Benson (American, 1862-1951) Canada Geese in the Snow Signed and dated "F. W. Benson '30" l.r. Watercolor with graphite on paper, sight size 18 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (47.0 x 59.7 cm), framed. Condition: Ripping, subtle mat burn. N.B. A member of ³The Ten² and one of the leading American Impressionist artists, Frank Benson worked in a variety of media, including oil, watercolor, and etching, and produced portraits, landscapes, sporting scenes, and still lifes. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Benson first studied at Boston¹s Museum School before traveling to Paris, where he enrolled at the Academie Julian. After returning to the U.S. in 1885, he taught at Boston¹s Museum School and enjoyed a successful career, gaining membership to the Society of American Artists and winning many awards, including the Hallgarten Prize at the National Academy in New York. At this time Benson was best known for his graceful plein-air oil portraits which incorporated elements of French Impressionism. However, as American artistic tastes began to change in the 1910s Benson¹s focus began to shift too, towards landscapes and sporting subjects. Always an avid outdoorsman, it was at this time that he began depicting views of New England and Canada, and abandoned oil paint in favor of watercolors and etchings. Partially adhered to backing mat with sheet adhesive. The paper is partially lifting from the sheet adhesive. The sheet measures 20 x 25 in.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-09-11
