He was taught by Max Dvořák and is considered a member of the Vienna School of Art History.
[1] Being familiar with modern art from childhood, a personal acquaintance with Schiele left a lasting impression on him,[2][3] which is also to be seen in several of his publications.
From 1915 to 1921, Benesch studied art history, archaeology and philosophy at the University of Vienna mainly under Max Dvořák.
"Max Dvořák", he said, "introduced me to the strict and pragmatic spirit which regards the history of art as a historical discipline, far removed from all aesthetic assayism.
The sole foundation of this scientific method of approach is the view that the work of art is a statement and the literary evidence its meaningfully interpreted source.