Townley Benson (American/Mexican,1848-1907) oil on canvas Mexican Village Scene depicting a woman at a roadside stand, selling colorful fruit or vegetables. A dirt road leads past her, between two huts with thatched roofs, to a flat landscape beyond. Signed "Townley Benson" and dated 1901 lower right. Parcel gilt wood frame with pale green painted center molding. Sight – 12" x 9". Frame – 17" x 13". Biography: Townley Benson's works are rare. He was born in Ontario and spent much of his career as an itinerant artist first in Southern California and later in Mexico, where he focused on scenes depicting daily life. On July 15, 1907 in Saltillo, Mexico, Benson was shot to death at his easel by revolutionaries who mistook him for a member of the establishment. (Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940").

PROVENANCE: Private Nashville, Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: Light grime and buckling to canvas. Areas of scuffing/scratching with resulting paint loss upper left and lower left corners, 2" and 1" respectively. 1/4" scratch upper center.