Frank Benson (American, 1862-1951)

Available Works

It has often been said that Frank Benson is the founding father of the school of American sporting print, elevating the genre of sporting prints as a popular art form. Benson’s print making career began in 1912 and by 1928 he was firmly established as a master of the art. Creating over 350 etchings and drypoints, mostly illustrating sporting subjects, Benson worked actively as a print artist until 1942.

Frank W. Benson the printmaker (he was a very successful impressionistic figure painter prior to turning to etching) is very much associated with his subject matter of ducks and other waterfowl. His choice of subjects largely followed the demands of collectors although he had a lifelong passion for birds and a great love of the outdoors. With much devotion and careful attention the artist studied birds in flight and at rest in the wild. Benson’s prints accurately capture the birds and figures of wildfowl hunting as well as the surrounding atmospheric qualities of the landscapes in which he placed his subjects.

• Related Links: American Prints, John James Audubon