Frank Benson

Three Yellowlegs.

1920.

The drypoint created in 1920 is a working state, the fourth of eight. The eight states are listed in the Frank W. Benson catalogue raisonne by Adam Paff #184. There are two recorded impressions of this print making it a rare find. It is signed in pencil and inscribed "D-2." The Image size 4 3/8 x 5 13/16" (11.1 x 14.8 cm). The final printed edition of "Three Yellowlegs" was 150.

Frank Weston Benson (1862-1951), well known for his American impressionist paintings, produced an incredible body of prints - etchings, drypoints, and a few lithographs. Born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Benson, a natural outdoorsman, grew up sailing, fishing, and hunting. While a teenager his fascination with drawing and birding developed simultaneously and continued throughout his life.

His first art instruction was with Otto Grundman at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and then in 1883 in Paris at the Academie Julian where he studied the rigorous ‘ecole des beaux arts’ approach to drawing and painting for two years.

During the early 1880’s Seymour Haden visited Boston giving a series of lectures on etching. This introduction to the European etching revival inspired Benson. He purchased a copy of Maxime Lalanne’s Treatise on Etching using this book as a guide into the nuances of the craft. Benson's first etching was done in 1882. Entitled “Salem Harbor” it was published in The Art Student, the school magazine at the Museum of Fine Arts. Almost three decades would pass before Benson’s busy schedule allowed his fascination with etching and dry-point to weave its way into the daily structure of his life. He produced over 350 different prints before his death in 1951.

In a letter to his grandson, Frank Benson noted, “I have been happy because my hobby and my work are one and the same, and if you can arrange the same thing in your life, you will be equally happy.”