The Campanella Collection of Original Works by Thomas Hart Benton
Sat, Dec 2, 2023 11:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 30
Thomas Hart Benton "Woodland Stream" Graphite (ca. 1969)
Sold for
$16,500
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)
Woodland Stream, circa 1969
Graphite on paper
15" x 10 1/4" (sight)
Benton scholar Dr. Henry Adams: "While not identical, this drawing relates closely to the watercolor Paint Mill Brook, Martha’s Vineyard, 1969, and very likely depicts the same location. While the viewpoint is different, it seems that Benton portrayed some of the same trees and rocks, or at least used very similar shapes in both works. Benton also made two other versions of Paint Mill Brook, also dating from 1969, both titled Woodland Stream. One of these is a small study in oil on panel, the other a polymer-tempera on paper. This drawing nicely demonstrates Benton’s skill at creating a rhythmic organization from the forms of nature. 'Nature is so different from the studio,' Benton once explained to a reporter, 'both because the light comes from many directions and because the motifs are jumbled together, not neatly selected. The problem is to find the real character of objects when they’re set in a confusion of light.'"
Signed lower right. Housed in a glazed frame measuring 24 1/4" x 18 3/4".
Condition
Good condition, noting three creases, all neatly flattened: one along the right of the top edge of the mat window, one angled from the lower right edge, and one to the bottom right corner.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 24.25 in
Width: 18.75 in
Depth: 1.50 in
Available payment options
Pick Up, Packing, & Shipping: Winning bidders may pick up their lots, once paid in full, at Circle’s auction office during regular business hours. If packing and shipping is required, we can provide you with a list of recommended shippers by request. You will be responsible to contact, arrange shipment, and pay 3rd party shippers. Circle will not be responsible for loss or damage of purchased lots handled or shipped, nor for acts and omissions, by 3rd party shippers, whether recommended by us or not. Circle will not release the lot for shipment until payment has been made in full and a buyer’s written shipping authorization form has been received. Winning bids may not be retracted, canceled or rescinded due to issues with shipping including, but not limited to, costs or prohibitions. It is the responsibility of the bidder to account for shipping prior to bidding. Failure to Pick Up & Storage: Winning bidders must pick up or have lots shipped within 15 calendar days of the close of the auction. On the 16th day from the close of the auction Circle has the right to charge the winning bidder a storage fee of $5 per lot per day. Lots that have been paid for, but remain on our premises sixty (60) days from the close of the auction may be sold by Circle, with no notice to the buyer. Any funds in excess of the purchase price, commissions, applicable costs, and storage fees will be remitted to the original winning bidder. At the point where storage fees associated with an unshipped item exceed the hammer price of the item the winning bidder will be considered in default of our terms and conditions and forfeits ownership to Circle Auction or its affiliated companies. In the case where the item is forfeited the winning bidder will not be compensated in any way. Lots left with Circle after the 16th day from the close of the auction are stored at the buyer’s risk. If you have any questions regarding these terms please contact Circle Auction by email at : Info@Circle-Auction.com
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.