Born in Philadelphia, Bensel was known for his views of the Delaware River area, often depicting fisherman, traders and Indian encampments. Bensell was one of the six artists who formed the Philadelphia Sketch Club in 1860. He exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1856 until 1868, showing almost 50 paintings; portraits and genre scenes as well as landscapes. His work can be found in important collections including the Pennsylvania Academy, the National Museum of American Art, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Germantown Historical Society. In addition to being a talented artist, Bensell was also a poet. A twenty-two page poem written in 1867 by Bensell and Samuel Diffield is at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and is recorded in the Library of Congress. He died at age 42.Courtesy Pennsylvania Art Conservatory
