Benjamin Foster Rare Antique American Tonalism Museum Landscape Oil Painting Birch Lined Road
Very beautiful, original, antique American Tonalism oil painting, by American landscape artist, Benjamin Foster; (1852-1926).
Benjamin Foster was born in North Anson, Maine, along with his artist brother, Charles Foster, (1850-1931). Relocating to New York City in 1870, he worked various jobs, until he could afford formal art training in 1882. He studied privately with Abbott Handerson Thayer at the Art Students League, and received lessons in Paris, from 1886-1887. (Although born in Maine, he is primarily considered a Massachusetts School painter, due to teachers/school associated with; technique, and influences). He is best known for his peaceful, tonal scenes of the countryside, often drenched in the atmospheric effects of dawn, sunset, or twilight. In addition to painting, he wrote art reviews for the New York Evening Post and the Nation.
Painting is very soft, and holds all of the lovely, subdued colors of the American Tonalism School. Benjamin Foster painting has been recently, (lightly), professionally cleaned; and is in great condition. There are no flaws, (except the slight marking on the front, from pressure of the back stretcher bars, over the years).(Painting is in near mint, original condition). Painting is signed lower right, under the trees, as shown. The back of the canvas is nailed to the wooden stretcher bars.
There is a painting very similar to this painting registered also to Benjamin Foster, at the Smithsonian. (This painting also shows soft Birch trees, within a tonal landscape background, as well). His work is also in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.This is the only other painting I have personally seen by the artist; his works are lovely, and fairly rare. The antique American, gold gilt, wood frame is also in good condition. No flaws, chips, or restorations. The measurements of the painting, alone, are 7" X 14"; a few inches larger, in frame. I would estimate this painting to have been completed around 1910-1915. It is a wonderful, and rare example by the artist. His paintings are difficult to come by, on the secondary market. I have not seen another painting by this artist, sold in over a decade, possibly in over 20 years.
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