White Heron in a Pool in a Garden

Frank Weston BensonWW-1929-048741

1929·Oil on canvas·76.2 × 63.5 cm (30 × 25 in.)

<p>A principal figure of American Impressionism, Frank Weston Benson explored the effects of color and light in landscape and figure studies drawn from his life in North Haven, Maine, where he summered with his family beginning in 1901. A small pond behind his home offered ample artistic material, with its thick vegetation, water lilies, sun-dappled reflections, and shady nooks. A lifelong wildlife enthusiast, Benson excelled at depictions of birds. Here, he added a white heron to his composition, a species native to more southerly climes. Benson likely painted the heron from memory, having become fascinated with the stately creature<br>during his fishing trips to the Florida Keys.</p>

Catalogue

Year: 1929
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 76.2 × 63.5 cm (30 × 25 in.)
Collection: Art Institute of Chicago
Artist: Frank Weston Benson

Artist

Frank Weston Benson

Painting

Frank Weston Benson, frequently referred to as Frank W. Benson, was an American artist from Salem, Massachusetts, known for his Realistic portraits, American Impressionist paintings, watercolors and etchings. He began his career painting portraits of distinguished families and murals for the Library of Congress. Some of his best known paintings depict his daughters outdoors at Benson's summer home, Wooster Farm, on the island of North Haven, Maine. He also produced numerous oil, wash and watercolor paintings and etchings of wildfowl and landscapes.

Salem, MA, USA

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