The Campanella Collection of Original Works by Thomas Hart Benton
Sat, Dec 2, 2023 11:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 47
Thomas Hart Benton "Landscape with Bathers" Graphite
Sold for
$1,000
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $5,000 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $500 |
| $20,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $75,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Thomas Hart Benton
(Missouri, 1889-1975)
Landscape with Nude Bathers
Graphite on stationery
4 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Benton scholar Dr. Henry Adams: "The style of the drawing recalls Benton’s studies for The American Historic Epic, but in fact, is much later. The artist drew it on the back of stationery with the heading: Mrs. Thomas Hart Benton, 3616 Belleveue Avenue, Kansas City 11, Missouri. Rita started a letter with the word 'Darling,' but left it unfinished. The drawing thus must date after 1939, the year when the Bentons purchased their home on Bellevue Avenue."
The drawing was executed on Rita Benton's letterhead. Matted to 20" x16", with the reverse of the sheet matted to be visible as well.
Condition
Very good condition.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 20.00 in
Width: 16.00 in
Depth: 0.50 in
Available payment options
Acquired by Vincent and Leah Campanella directly from Thomas and Rita Benton over the course of their 25 year friendship. A portion of the collection was given to the Campanellas by Rita in 1975 as compensation for Vincent completing "The Sources of Country Music," the mural left unfinished when Tom passed away in 1975. Vincent Campanella was later prominently featured in the Ken Burns documentary Thomas Hart Benton (1988). In 2001, the Campanella family sold the collection to the current owner, a private Kansas City collector.
Benton scholar and author, Dr. Henry Adams, has authenticated the entire collection in person. You can find his essay documenting the 25 year tumultuous friendship of Vincent and Thomas and the origins of the collection at Circle-Auction.com. A copy of his essay will be provided to all winning bidders.