John Prentiss Benson Paintings & Artwork for Sale | John Prentiss Benson Art Value Price Guide

Sep. 27, 2024
John Prentiss Benson, oil on canvas
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
John Prentiss Benson (American 1865-1947), oil on canvas winter landscape, probably Maine, with figures skating on a pond and town in the background, signed lower left and dated 1947, 24" x 36", frame - 28 1/2" x 40 1/2". NO in-house shipping for this lot.
Pook & Pook Inc.
Sep. 27, 2024
John Prentiss Benson, oil on board
Est: $800 - $1,200
John Prentiss Benson (American 1865-1947), oil on board titled Surf at Ogunquit, signed lower left, 18" x 26", frame - 21 3/4" x 29". Competitive in-house shipping is available for this lot.
Pook & Pook Inc.
Jul. 27, 2023
Attributed to John Prentiss Benson Oil on Canvas
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Attributed to John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947). Oil on canvas ship at sea, Galleon Running Away # 2. Signed lower left John P. Benson. 34 1/2" x 31 1/2" (with frame 38 5/8" x 35 3/4"). Some inpainting throughout.
Willow Auction House
Jun. 15, 2023
John Prentiss Benson, Oil on Canvas, Galleon
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
(American, 1865-1947) "Untitled (Galleon Running Away #2)", signed l.l.c. Overall: 38-3/4"h x 35-3/4"w Sight: 34-1/4"h x 31-3/8"w Literature: Nicolas J. Baker, "The Artistic Legacy of Prentiss Benson", vol. III, illustrated p. 207
Nye & Company
Jun. 06, 2023
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865–1947) Full Sail
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Signed 'John P. Benson' lower left, oil on Belgian linen canvas 24 ¼ x 40 in. (61.6x101.6cm) (24 x 38 in.) Provenance Private Collection, New Jersey.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jul. 27, 2022
John P Benson 1865-1947 Black Americana Painting
Est: $500 - $1,500
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947). An original oil painting on board. A rare Black Americana scene with male and female figures. Boston area street scene with additional human figures, buggy, and architectural elements. Artist monogram to lower left J.P.B. The artist was brother of contemporary American Impressionist artist Frank Benson (1862-1951). Hand written note to verso attesting the work to have been produced in Washington, D.C., December 1893, as a Christmas present for the artist's brother, Harry Benson (1866-1942), later Mayor of Salem (MA). Accompanied by 2002 The Evening News (Salem, MA) article discussing the artist's family. Presented in a a decorative gold leaf frame. Sight size approximately 6" x 3.75". Dimensions: 13 X 11 X 1.25 in. Condition: Good overall condition having normal surface wear. Frame having normal surface wear. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping: Hill Auction Gallery offers in-house ground contiguous USA domestic shipping, excluding New Mexico, for $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer third party shippers for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request. Got something to sell? Contact us at HillAuctionGallery.com
Hill Auction Gallery
Oct. 17, 2021
John Prentiss Benson - oil on canvas
Est: $500 - $1,000
John Prentiss Benson (1865-1947) Whaling Scene with Icebergs. Oil on canvas. H 42" W 78" . Condition: Very good condition with minor abrasions. Unframed. Copy and paste this link for high-res images. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i9b0ziu4aacp5wn/AADF1L-q576LFwMPXy2GyxgPa?dl=0
New England Auctions
Aug. 20, 2021
JOHN P. BENSON (Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947), "Westward", a Spanish galleon at sea., Oil on canvas, 20.25" x 24.25". Framed 24" x 28".
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JOHN P. BENSON Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947 "Westward", a Spanish galleon at sea. Signed and dated lower left "John P. Benson 1941". Titled verso.
Eldred's
Jun. 25, 2021
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947)
Est: $1,800 - $2,500
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947) , "In Penobscot Bay", 1925, oil on canvas, signed lower left, signed, titled and dated en verso, titled and inscribed on stretcher, partial label with artist and title on reverse of frame, 30 in. x 36 in., Newcomb-Macklin frame. Note: Massachusetts-born artist John Prentiss Benson spent most of his career as a successful architect before deciding to pursue painting full-time in 1922. His lifelong fascination with ships of all kinds, spurred by his childhood spent in Salem in close proximity to the seaport, served as his main creative inspiration and resulted in an impressive body of maritime works many of which remain unlocated today. Benson had almost immediate success with a group of paintings he sent to the Kennedy Gallery in New York. Of the nine works, six sold within a three-month time frame, and in the fall of 1923, Benson was invited by the gallery to be the subject of a solo exhibition. He would continue to experience success with his artistic endeavors, developing a strong following in the Northeast, particularly New York, Boston and Maine. At the age of sixty, Benson and his wife moved to Willowbank, one of the oldest houses in Kittery, Maine. Benson established a studio on the property and would paint from photographic memory. He kept a logbook of his works, detailing each one with a small photograph and handwritten notes. In Bensons notebook, In Penobscot Bay is accompanied by notes indicating it was sold on Feb 3 1926. While the black and white photograph illustrating the piece appears to be lacking some of the necessary finishing details (such as the flags on the mast), it is very likely the artist would have added these elements after the photo was taken. In Penobscot Bay is a stirring composition featuring a pristine white vessel with inflated sales. The viewer can almost feel the wind and smell the sea spray as Benson so expertly conveyed the rushing feeling of coasting on the sea under a canopy of billowy white clouds. Ref.: Baker, Nicholas J. The Artistic Legacy of John Prentiss Benson Volume II. USA: Sheridan Books, Inc., 2004, pg. 115; Baker, Nicholas J. and Margaret M. Betts. John Prentiss Benson: American Marine Artist. Massachusetts: Baker Marine Publications, 2008
Neal Auction Company
Jun. 12, 2020
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON, Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947, "Our House at Warwick, Bermuda"., Oil on board, 18" x 13". Framed 22" x 16".
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947 "Our House at Warwick, Bermuda". Unsigned. Inscribed in pen on backing paper "By John P. Benson Our House at Warwick, Bermuda 1923 (Dec.)". Exhibited: Portsmouth Atheneum: A Retrospective Exhibition: The Artistic Legacy of John Prentiss Benson, June 15-October 7, 2004. Oil on board, 18" x 13". Framed 22" x 16".
Eldred's
Jun. 12, 2020
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON, Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947, Ship at sea., Oil on canvas, 20" x 25". Framed 22.5" x 27.5".
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947 Ship at sea. Signed lower left "John P. Benson". Oil on canvas, 20" x 25". Framed 22.5" x 27.5".
Eldred's
Sep. 21, 2019
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON, Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947, Yachting scene., Oil on board, 8" x 10". Framed 13.5" x 15.5".
Est: $500 - $700
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON Maine/Massachusetts, 1865-1947 Yachting scene. Signed lower left "John P. Benson". Oil on board, 8" x 10". Framed 13.5" x 15.5".
Eldred's
May. 12, 2018
John P. Benson (American, 1865-1947) Sailboat
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Oil on canvas. Signed 'John P. Benson'. On reverse: 1941. Kittery, MA, 1938.
Cottone Auctions
Nov. 12, 2016
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947) "Calm Harbor"
Est: $150 - $250
Signed lower right, John P. Benson. Oil on canvas.
Cottone Auctions
Oct. 28, 2016
John Prentiss Benson
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
John Prentiss Benson Am. 1865-1947 The Galleon Signed John P. Benson l.l. Oil on canvas 24 x 42 in. 61.0 x 106.7 cm 24 x 42 in. 61.0 x 106.7 cm image: paper:Property of Colin T. Taylor, Birmingham, Alabama
Barridoff Auctions
Sep. 11, 2016
Benson, Portrait of Ship, Oil on Board
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947), portrait of a ship, oil on board, having original frame, coming with book, John Benson is the brother of artist Frederek Benson, 13 1/2" h x 17 3/4" w (view), 20 1/2" h x 24" (frame). To include book on the artist, who is the brother of fellow artist Frank Weston Benson. Provenance: from a Massachusetts estate
Kaminski Auctions
Feb. 03, 2016
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON (American, 1865-1947) GALLEON AT SEA.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
Oil on canvas. Housed in a period gilt carved wood frame. Signed and dated lower left "John P. Benson 1923", stenciled on verso "John P. Benson 1923/New York" SIZE: 30" x 36". Overall: 33-1/2" x 39-1/2" CONDITION: Very good 50043-1
James D. Julia
Aug. 25, 2015
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON (American, 1865-1947) "KITTERY HARBOR, WINTER 1936-1937"
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Oil on wood panel. Housed in a modern molded wood frame with linen liner. Signed lower left "John P Benson" SIZE: 14" x 20" CONDITION: Lifting paint at very edge of frame (reframing would solve), otherwise good 49444-3
James D. Julia
Nov. 19, 2011
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON, American, 1865-1947, "The Clipper, 1929"., Oil on canvas, 30" x 40". Framed.
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON American, 1865-1947 "The Clipper, 1929". Signed lower left "John P. Benson". Inscribed on reverse "John P. Benson Kittery, ME 1929". Kennedy & Co, New York label on reverse. Oil on canvas, 30" x 40". Framed.
Eldred's
Jul. 09, 2011
John Prentiss Benson, seascape
Est: $800 - $1,200
John Prentiss Benson, 1865-1947, ME, seascape of a Spanish galleon, "The Treasure Ship," signed lower left, "John P. Benson, Bermuda, 1924," also stamped & identified on verso, 22" x 27" in a gold painted period frame, (gilt chipping off of frame, areas of minor paint loss). Provenance: A NYC collection. Estimate $800-1,200
The Cobbs
Aug. 26, 2009
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON (American, 1865-1947) SAILING OFF BERMUDA.
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
Unsigned oil on canvas backed by board scene shows a sailboat with figures aboard in full sail on light blue ocean under blue and white cloud sky. Housed in a good gilt molded wood replacement frame with linen and gilt liner. SIZE: 16" x 24". PROVENANCE: Letter accompanying painting states that this painting was acquired from the grandson through inheritance. CONDITION: Craquelure, surface dirt and one small chip in sky. Otherwise good. 9-94369
James D. Julia
Jul. 23, 2009
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON, American, 1865-1947, Two sailboats and a skiff on still waters off a hilly coast with cloudy sky., Oil on pane...
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON American, 1865-1947 Two sailboats and a skiff on still waters off a hilly coast with cloudy sky. Signed lower left "John P. Benson to Caroline". Written in pencil on reverse of board "Xmas 1937". Oil on panel, 7 3/4" x 14 3/4". Framed.
Eldred's
Feb. 06, 2009
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON (American, 1865-1947) SAILI
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Unsigned oil on canvas backed by board scene shows a sailboat with figures aboard in full sail on light blue ocean under blue and white cloud sky. Housed in a good gilt molded wood replacement frame with linen and gilt liner. SIZE: 16" x 24". PROVENANCE: Letter accompanying painting states that this painting was acquired from the grandson through inheritance. CONDITION: Craquelure, surface dirt and one small chip in sky. Otherwise good. 9-94369
James D. Julia
Dec. 07, 2008
John Prentiss Benson (American/Maine, 1865-1947),
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
John Prentiss Benson (American/Maine, 1865-1947), "The Home Port", oil on canvas, signed and dated "1923" lower left, pencil titled, stenciled with artist name and "1923, Salem Mass.", and "Kennedy & Co., 5th Ave." label en verso, 34 1/4 in. x 60 1/2 in a giltwood frame.
Neal Auction Company
Nov. 20, 2008
John Prentiss Benson American, 1865-1947 Untitled [Galleon Running Away #2]
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
John Prentiss Benson American, 1865-1947 Untitled [Galleon Running Away #2] Signed John P. Benson (ll) Oil on canvas 38 1/2 x 35 1/2 inches Literature: Baker, Nicolas J. The Artistic Legacy of Prentiss Benson, Volume III, illus. p. 207.
Doyle New York
Aug. 28, 2008
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON (American 1865-1947)
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
JOHN PRENTISS BENSON (American, 1865-1947) SAILING OFF BERMUDA. Unsigned oil on canvas backed by board scene shows a sailboat with figures aboard in full sail on light blue ocean under blue and white cloud sky. Housed in a good gilt molded wood replacement frame with linen and gilt liner. SIZE: 16" x 24". PROVENANCE: Letter accompanying painting states that this painting was acquired from the grandson through inheritance. CONDITION: Craquelure, surface dirt and one small chip in sky. Otherwise good. 9-94369 (6,000-8,000)
James D. Julia
Mar. 23, 2005
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. VIRGINIA KRAFT PAYSON JOHN P. BENSON 1865-1947 IN BERMUDA
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. VIRGINIA KRAFT PAYSON JOHN P. BENSON 1865-1947 IN BERMUDA WATERS signed John P. Benson, l.l.; inscribed The Atol (sic.) on the frame, stamped John P. Benson/Bermuda, and with the date 1925 on the reverse oil on canvas Condition Note: The work is in good condition, it is unlined there is craquelure throughout, there are stretcher marks around the edges of the work and a few areas of slight mild cupping (looks stable). There are a number of small brown areas of discoloration on the work. There are areas of paint loss most noticeably in two areas left of the sail in the sky. There are areas of dirt. Under UV light: No apparent inpainting. We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE. PROVENANCE Charles Shipman Payson By descent to the present owner
Sotheby's
Mar. 23, 2005
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. VIRGINIA KRAFT PAYSON JOHN P. BENSON 1865-1947 THE WHALE
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. VIRGINIA KRAFT PAYSON JOHN P. BENSON 1865-1947 THE WHALE HUNT: TOWING BACK AND SAILING HOME: A PAIR OF PAINTINGS each signed John P. Benson, l.l. each oil on canvas Condition Note: Both works- in good condition, canvases are not lined, there are mild stretcher marks. Sailing Home- there are four patches on the reverse of the canvas. Under UV light; Sailing Home- four spots of inpainting that correlate to the patches on the reverse. Towing Back- Scattered spots of inpainting throughout the work. We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE. Quantity: 2 PROVENANCE Charles Shipman Payson (purchased circa 1920s) By descent to the present owner CATALOGUE NOTE A related work from the same seriesby the artist is in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum, Essex Massachusetts
Sotheby's
Mar. 23, 2005
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. VIRGINIA KRAFT PAYSON (LOTS 103-111) JOHN P. BENSON 1865-1947
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MRS. VIRGINIA KRAFT PAYSON (LOTS 103-111) JOHN P. BENSON 1865-1947 THE WHALE HUNT: SETTING OUT AND NOON, THE ATTACK: A PAIR OF PAINTINGS each signed John P. Benson, l.l. each oil on canvas Condition Note: Both works- In good condition overall, canvases are not lined, scattered craquelure, slight stretcher marks. The Attack- there is a dent (center left) Under UV Light there is inpainting throughout, heavier behind the mast of the ship and scattered around the horizon line. Setting Out- Under UV light- Scattered spots of inpainting throughout mostly centered around the mast of the ship and in the center 1/3 of the canvas following the horizon line. PROVENANCE Charles Shipman Payson (purchased circa 1920s) By descent to the present owner CATALOGUE NOTE A related work from the same series by the artist is in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum, Essex Massachusetts
Sotheby's
May. 14, 2004
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Italian Port View with an Ornate Galleon Signed and dated "John P. Benson 1923" l.l., artist's name, date and inscription "1923, Salem, Mass" stenciled on the reverse. Oil on canvas, 34 x 60 in. (86.3 x 152.4 cm), framed. Condition: Loss to center, craquelure.
Skinner
May. 14, 2004
John Prentiss Benson (American, 1865-1947)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Columbus' Ships Coming to America Signed and dated "John P. Benson 1923" l.l. Oil on canvas, 32 x 89 in. (81.2 x 226 cm), framed. Condition: Surface grime, craquelure. N.B. Benson was a native of Salem, Massachusetts. Both John and his brother Frank W. Benson took an early interest in artistic expression. Encouraged by the family to pursue architecture, John worked designing both residential and commercial buildings for many years. By the 1920s however, John decided to give up his career and pursue his true passion, painting, full time. He painted predominantly from his home in Kittery, Maine.
Skinner