Frank Moss Bennett (1874–1952) was a British painter of portraits, historical scenes and architecture. He was known for his posthumous portraits, particularly of soldiers killed during the First World War, which were commissioned by grieving relatives as a remembrance of their sons and husbands.
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Early life
Frank Moss Bennett was born on 15 November 1874 in Liverpool, England. He was educated at the Clifton College, a private boarding school in Bristol where he met Edward Francis Wells who would become a lifelong friend and fellow artist. Bennett and Wells followed the same educational path, first studying at the Slade School of Fine Art, then St John's Wood Art School, and finally at the Royal Academy Schools in London where Bennett won the Gold Medal and a Travel Scholarship. The latter enabled Bennett to spend a year travelling in Italy with Wells (who was probably independently financed).
Career
He painted portraits as well as historic and religious paintings. His work was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1898 to 1928 as well as the Liverpool Art Gallery from 1899 to 1932. More recently, his work has been auctioned by Christie's and Bonhams. His portrait of Theodore Martin is at the National Portrait Gallery in London.