Circle Auction Sells Historic Thomas Hart Benton Collection:

The Circle Auction in Kansas City recently auctioned off the historic Campanella Collection of original works by Thomas Hart Benton. The collection including 113 items such as drawings, watercolors, and paintings, was auctioned off for a total of $427,864, including the buyer’s premium.

Vincent Campanella and Thomas Hart Benton:

The backstory of this collection is as intriguing as its contents. In the 1970s, these works were acquired by Vincent Campanella, a colleague and long time friend of Benton’s. Campanella, known for his artistic contributions and teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute and Park College, was friends with Benton for 20 years. Rita Benton even requested Vincent complete the final mural Tom was working on; Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame after Benton’s death in 1975.

Henry Adams, an expert on Benton, highlighted the significance of this collection, noting it as “the single largest collection of Benton drawings and studies outside of the Benton Trust. What is most notable about these works, viewed as a group, is their variety, in style, in subject matter and in date.” He added, “Not strictly a connoisseur’s collection, since the works vary greatly in finish and even in quality, it reveals instead an artist’s interest in Benton’s working methods, and in the nature of his artistic development. It provides an extraordinary picture of Benton’s development, as well as a record of one of his most intriguing friendships.”

Thomas Hart Benton Auction Results:

The auction, held online on December 2, 2023, attracted a wide range of bidders from across the United States and internationally, with participants from as far as England and Germany. James Fry, co-founder of Circle Auction, remarked on the diverse interest from local and national collectors. “This project has been an absolute pleasure to work on” continued Fry. “This group of works has been in the hands of two families up until now. From the open house preview to the auction, we’re excited to take part in increasing the number of Benton fans who can now enjoy this collection.”

Some of the top lots in the auction were “Tetons Study For The Sheepherder,” fetching $47,600, and “Study For Wyoming Hay,” which sold for $34,500. A notable surprise was “Woodland Stream,” which sold for $19,600, significantly exceeding its estimated value of $2,000 to $3,000. (Prices include buyers premium.) 

This successful auction not only highlighted the enduring appeal of Thomas Hart Benton’s work but also brought to light the storied connection between Benton and Campanella, marking an important event in the art world.