October in the Marshes 1872 John Frederick Kensett American In 1874 Thomas Kensett presented the Museum with thirty-eight paintings found in the studio of his brother, John Frederick Kensett, after he died. Since the artist had executed most of them in the summer of 1872, just prior to his death in December, the paintings are known collectively as his Last Summer’s Work." This is one of numerous studies Kensett made of the meadow and salt marshes near Contentment Island, Connecticut, during the fall of that year.. October in the Marshes. John Frederick Kensett (American, Cheshire, Connecticut 1816-1872 New York). American. 1872. Oil on canvas