Where can I see Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)?

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)?

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) is associated with American Folk Art.

Artwork

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) is an oil painting. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This oil painting presents a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, an influential figure of the 18th century.

About this work

Technique & Style

Oil paint was applied to a stretched canvas, producing a smooth surface that emphasizes fine modeling of facial features typical of neoclassical portraiture.

The portrait of Benjamin Franklin painted in 1800 is executed in oil on canvas, a common support for early-American portraiture, and reflects the workshop practice of Joseph Siffred Duplessis as recorded in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection data. Oil paint was applied to a stretched canvas, producing a smooth surface that emphasizes fine modeling of facial features typical of neoclassical portraiture. The work's dimensions (approximately 70.2 × 56.5 cm) and its realistic rendering of Franklin's likeness illustrate the formal stylistic conventions of the period.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Benjamin Franklin was created in 1800 by the workshop of Joseph Siffred Duplessis, employing oil on canvas as the medium. It depicts Franklin as a man in a formal pose, characteristic of late-18th-century portraiture. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on public display.

Its creation is documented through the museum's catalog and scholarly references that attribute the piece to the Duplessis workshop, establishing both the dating and the artistic context of the painting.

The portrait is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is recorded as accession number 1975.1.207. Executed circa 1800 in oil on canvas, the work measures 70.2 cm in height and 56.5 cm in width. The painting has been exhibited by the museum as part of its permanent collection displays, though no individual exhibition history is specified in available records.

Overview

This oil painting presents a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, an influential figure of the 18th century. The artist captures him from the chest up, with a composed demeanor that suggests thoughtful reflection. The work emphasizes a sense of quiet dignity, characteristic of formal portraiture of the period, while drawing attention to the subject's presence through careful detailing and a focused composition.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features Benjamin Franklin, depicted with long, wavy hair and a neutral expression. He is attired in a red coat with a fur collar and a white cravat, details that convey a certain status. The artist's portrayal from the chest up, facing directly forward, contributes to an impression of directness and introspection, inviting the viewer to engage with the subject's intellectual presence rather than a dynamic narrative.

Artist & collection

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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