Early Life and Education
Frank Weston Benson, an American artist from Salem, Massachusetts, was born on March 24, 1862. His early life was marked by a deep appreciation for the sea, inherited from his grandfather, Captain Samuel Benson. This fondness for the ocean would later influence his artistic style.
Career and Influences
Benson's artistic career began with studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston under Otto Grundmann in 1880. He then moved to Paris in 1883 to study at the Académie Julien, where he was influenced by Jules-Joseph Lefebvre, William Turner Dannat, and Gustave Boulanger. Benson's work was also deeply influenced by Johannes Vermeer and Diego Velázquez, masters of the seventeenth-century.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
Benson's style is characterized by his Realistic portraits, American Impressionist paintings, watercolors, and etchings. Some of his most notable works include:
- Summer, a depiction of his daughters outdoors at Benson's summer home, Wooster Farm, on the island of North Haven, Maine.
- Eleanor, a portrait showcasing his daughter, now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
- After the Storm, an early work that marked his transition to Impressionism.
Teaching and Affiliations
Benson enjoyed a distinguished career as an instructor and department head at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He was also a founding member of the Ten American Painters, American Academy of Arts and Letters, and The Guild of Boston Artists.
Legacy and Availability of Work
Today, Benson's work can be found in various museums and private collections. To explore more of his artwork, visit
Frank Weston Benson's page on WahooArt, where you can also find other artists like
Edwin Augustus Harleston and
Julian Alden Weir. For a deeper understanding of his influences, read about
Johannes Vermeer and
Diego Velázquez on Wikipedia.
Important: This biography is based on the information available up to 2022 and may not reflect updates or new discoveries.