Frank Weston Benson

(American, 1862-1951), "Alighting in the Moonlight, 1927", signed bottom center "F.W. Benson '27", oil on masonite, 14 x 21-7/8 in., gilt wood and cove molding frame with stencil decoration, light grime, flaking at edges with small voids upper left and lower right; frame with abrasions and losses to gilt surface. Reserve: $75,000. Frank Benson painted scenes at twilight, sunset, and dawn, capturing subtleties of changing light. Moonlight pictures appear less frequently, but with no less emphasis on the study of atmospheric luminescence. For a similar example with the identical palette see lot #51 titled Moonlight, sold by Sotheby's, New York, May 24, 2004.