Henry Benson Art

Title: Sitges Artist: Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (1891–1979) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 38 x 61 cm (14.96 x 24.01 in) Support: Canvas stretched over wooden stretcher Framing: Unframed Signature: Signed lower left: Durancamps Period: 1960s (estimated based on style, technique, and materials) Work Description The painting Sitges depicts an evocative scene of the iconic Catalan coastal town. At the center stands the unmistakable silhouette of the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, surrounded by cascading white houses that descend toward the shore. A solitary fisherman in the foreground casts his rod from the sand, adding a human and melancholic dimension to the landscape. The composition reflects Rafael Durancamps’s mastery in atmospheric construction: the balance between sky, architecture, and figure is achieved through loose yet controlled brushstrokes, and a sober palette dominated by earthy tones, ochres, blues, and greys. The scene conveys stillness, everyday life, and a sense of belonging to the landscape—recurring qualities in the artist’s work. Artist Biography: Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (1891–1979) Born in Sabadell, Rafael Durancamps was one of the leading Catalan figurative painters of the 20th century. Initially trained under Joan Vila Cinca and a friend of Joaquim Mir, he chose a personal path that distanced him from avant-garde movements. In 1926, he moved to Paris, where he founded La Fenêtre Ouverte gallery, bringing together artists such as Salvador Dalí, André Derain, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. After permanently returning to Barcelona in 1939, he exhibited regularly at Sala Parés and established a distinctive style rooted in lyrical light, intimate observation of everyday life, and a refined technique—particularly in still lifes, landscapes, and solitary figures. His work is held in major collections, including the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Montserrat Museum, the Sabadell Art Museum, and the BBVA Collection. Comparable Artists Rafael Durancamps can be linked stylistically or spiritually to several major names in modern figurative art: Joaquim Mir – for his lyrical treatment of the Catalan landscape and vibrant light Santiago Rusiñol – for his poetic approach to architecture and the Mediterranean environment Maurice Utrillo – in his sober and nostalgic depictions of towns and vernacular architecture Edward Hopper – for the silent presence of solitary figures in open spaces Darío de Regoyos...

Post Impressionist Mediterranean Village with Church, Spanish Landscape Oil on Canvas, Framed, c.1995 Artist: Rafael Griera Calderón (b. 1934, ...

Warm air seems to move through this scene as the eye wanders along a gentle swale dotted with granite boulders, low stone walls and scrubby autumn color. A ribbon of meadow pulls us ...

A vibrant Bermuda seascape depicting the rocky shoreline with turquoise waters breaking against sunlit boulders beneath a sweeping tree. Mears uses bold, textured brushstrokes and a ...

“Jamaican Girl by the Palm Tree, c. 1930” by Will Howe Foote (American, 1874-1965) A fantastic portrait of a young Jamaican woman set against a vibrant palm frond, painted by the re...

An exceptional post-impressionist view of Florence, Italy by Carl Schmitz-Pleis (1877-1943). In the spring of 1910 Schmitz-Pleis and fellow friend/artist Walter Hugo Ophey travelled...

This lovely impressionist painting portrays what appears to be a family outing or picnic. There are many beautifully dressed women with their children in a park setting. Oddly, what appears to be missing are men, or their husbands. Perhaps it’s a women’s organization that included their young children. The scene must depict late spring or summer, given the foliage and their beautiful dresses. The colors are bright and cheerful and the late impressionist style is clearly evident. The artist appears to have signed the painting lower left, but it is very difficult to completely decipher. The date, 1925, seems to be clearer. All in all, this work is a one-of-a-kind period painting that will enhance any sophisticated room or setting. The frame is a soft lemon gold period cove frame that may be just a bit older than the work by about 10 years. This work has been recently professionally repaired, cleaned and varnished. Both the painting and the frame are in very good condition. There are a few professional repairs to the canvas, only visible from the patches shown on the backside. The frame has a few minor blemishes here and there, expected with its age. The canvas measures 18” x 22” and the overall framed dimensions are 24 1/2” x 28 1/2”. Visible on the reverse side is a vintage label that reads “Art...

Title: Paseo de Sitges Artist: Jordi Curós Ventura (1930–2017) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 23.6 x 28.7 in Signature: Signed in the lower righ...

Clyde Steadman's "Bathsheba" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an impasto painting of a nude female model in an interior setting.

Known for his evocative, snow-covered landscapes, Koeniger brings this subject to life with his bold, confident brushwork and keen eye for natural light. The composition centers arou...

Jennifer McChristian's "Looking For Respite" (2008) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a busy sidewalk with people walking and bus...

Philippe Couture was born in Drummondville, Canada in 1984 and currently resides in Kyoto, Japan. Phil’s art education was primarily self-taught. His training consisted of drawing an...