Where can I see a painting by John P. Benson?

There are paintings by John Benson in the following collections at:
Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts (3)
Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine (1)
Kittery Historical/Naval Museum in Kittery, Maine (1)
Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile, Alabama (1)
Museum of Art (RISD) in Providence, Rhode Island (1)
Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio (1)
Osterville Free Library in Osterville, Massachusetts (1)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts (1)

I have a painting by John Benson. How can I find out what it is worth?

We suggest you have it appraised by an experienced appraiser of American art. You might consider contacting art dealer John G. Hagan (johnghagan@comcast.net). His specialty is American paintings, drawings and prints, with a concentration on traditional Boston school artists of which John Benson surely is one. The editors of this book consider Mr. Hagan to be the foremost authority on the paintings of John Prentiss Benson.

I have a painting signed “Benson”. How can I tell if John Benson painted it?

There are other painters surnamed Benson, and even other artists named John Benson, as mentioned in the publication Who Was Who in American Art. If you suspect your painting is by John Benson, send a good quality colored photograph to: John Benson Book, P. O. Box 171, Pocasset, MA  02559-0171, or send a digital image to info@johnpbenson.org. Include a close-up of the signature, if possible, as well as any other information about the painting, such as any writing that may appear on the back of the frame. You will receive a reply immediately via e-mail or by U. S. Postal Service.

Are there any reproductions (often referred to as prints) of paintings by John P. Benson available?

As far as the editors are aware, the only reproductions made were those by The Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland, Maine) in 1976. The painting shown was Whaler for “Cachalot,” and the reproduction measured 13” x 24” overall. The original painting is in the Farnsworth’s collection. The editors surmise that the museum may have once printed anywhere from 50 to 100 of these reproductions and given them to financial supporters as an expression of thanks. The editors are also aware that several of these reproductions have recently been discovered and sold either privately or at auction on eBay.

Aside from acquiring copies of The Artistic Legacy of John Prentiss Benson, Volumes I and II, is there any other way I can have a copy of a John Benson painting in my home?

There are boxed Note cards available, showing four of Mr. Benson's best known paintings. A box contains twelve cards (three blank cards of four different scenes) with matching envelopes. If you wish to order cards Click Here.