Bennet Swanson

American, 1897 - 1968

Explore selected works

The image shows a landscape with two small wooden houses positioned closely together. The houses have different roof styles and are set on slightly raised ground with long shadows behind them. In the background, there is a line of trees indicating the horizon. The sky is filled with vertical brushstrokes resembling rain or snow, creating a monochromatic color scheme of black, white, and grey.
Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Northern Lights, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.536

Northern Lights

Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.536

The image shows a rural scene with a dirt road curving through it. The point of view is slightly elevated. The horizon line is low, meeting the receding road, tall trees, and telegraph poles. The brushstrokes are monochromatic, creating texture in the sky and emphasizing the outlines of the buildings and trees. The color palette is grayscale, capturing different intensities between black and white. Two figures are standing on the road's edge, framed by a farm building and trees. A river or canal runs along the right side of the path. In the distance, simpler forms of buildings and trees can be seen.
Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Early Morn, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.534

Early Morn

Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.534

The image shows a woman seated on a chair, peeling a vegetable into a bowl in her lap. She has a serene expression and her hair is pulled back. She is dressed in a long-sleeved garment with an apron, and there are kitchen items in the background.
Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), My Mother, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.535

My Mother

Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.535

The image displays a grand domed building, potentially a cathedral, from a slightly elevated viewpoint. The building is detailed with fine strokes. The horizon is obscured by the dominating dome and structures. A tall column with a statue is visible to the right. The brushstrokes are expressive with strong chiaroscuro contrasts. The color palette is monochrome with black, white, and gray tones. Figures of people and trees are nearby, framing pathways leading to distant trees for depth in the composition.
Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Early Mass, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.533

Early Mass

Bennet Swanson, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.533