Wladyslaw Theodore Benda
Polish-American illustrator and muralist
Władysław Teodor "W.T." Benda was a Polish painter, illustrator, and designer. The son of musician Jan Szymon Benda, and a nephew of the actress Helena Modrzejewska (known in the United States as Helena Modjeska), W.T. Benda studied art at the Kraków College of Technology and Art in his native Poland and at the School of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria. He came to the United States in 1899, to visit his Aunt Helena, who then lived in California. He stayed, and moved to New York City in 1902, where he attended the Art Students League of New York and the William Merritt Chase School. While there, Benda studied under Robert Henri and Edward Penfield. He joined the Society of Illustrators in 1907, the Architectural League in 1916, and became a naturalized American in 1911. He was also a member of the National Society of Mural Painters. He remained in NYC for the rest of his life. Benda married Romola Campfield, and they had two daughters, Eleonora and Basia, who were both artists.
Relationship Network
Master student
- Robert Henri Master
- Edward Penfield Master
Fellow student
Artworks by this artist
- Elegant Woman and Afghan
- Glamour in Red 1923
- Ladami Ojcow Naszych w Szeregach Armii Polskiej za Ojczyzn i Wolno 1914
- Face of blonde girl with earrings 1923
- See, Jack, he said, his manner wild and delirious 1922
- Polish Army in France 1917
- Head of girl with long blonde hair 1923
- Poppy Girl
- Girl with Braids circa 1920
- The Dance 1916
- Poles! Kosciuszko & Pulaski fought for the liberty of Poland & other nations–Follow their example–Enlist in the Polish Army! 1917
- Mask
- You can help–American Red Cross 1918
- Stand by the country’s girlhood–The Y.W.C.A. acts for you 1918
- When the boys come home While I was over there what were you doing here, Students of America, how will you answer him 1918