Book Description

This clothbound, coffeetable book has over 90 full color plates of the work of John Prentiss Benson, an unsung Marine artist, who lived in New England from 1865 to 1947. There are currently hundreds of his undiscovered paintings at large. John Prentiss Benson was born in 1865 in Salem, Massachusetts. His youth was spent just blocks away from the seaport where ships of all kinds were a source of endless fascination. Artistic talent ran in the family, and his oldest brother, Frank, displayed such gifts that further study was encouraged. But when young John indicated he, too, would like to study art, parental caution took over. One artist in the family was enough.After receiving excellent training in Paris in 1888-89, John opened an architecture practice in New York City. Half of his professional life was spent as an architect, but he never lost his desire to paint. By 1925, he had closed his business, moved to Kittery, Maine, and become a full-time painter. His artwork sold readily in galleries, at exhibitions, and to visitors. Painting with great regularity every year until his death in 1947 at age 82, he created more than 750 canvases. Many remain unlocated. Part mystery, part treasure hunt, the search for still unlocated John P. Benson paintings is an ongoing quest.