Artwork
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is a copper painting. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
4 centimeters, is classified as a portrait and is part of The American Wing collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The 1785 enameled-copper portrait of Benjamin Franklin, attributed to an unknown artist, presents the statesman in a straightforward likeness typical of late-18th-century portraiture. The work, measuring roughly 8 × 6.4 centimeters, is classified as a portrait and is part of The American Wing collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its subject is identified as Franklin, emphasizing his public image rather than allegorical symbolism; the composition relies on conventional dress and a neutral background to convey authority and civic virtue. As an anonymous painting, it serves primarily as a commemorative representation of the Founding Father.
Technique & Style
This portrait of Benjamin Franklin, created in 1785 by an unknown artist, is executed on a copper support using an enameled medium. The work measures 8 centimeters in height and 6.4 centimeters in width, classifying it as a small-scale portrait. As an enameled copper piece, the technique involves fusing vitreous enamel to a metal surface, resulting in a durable and glossy finish characteristic of the period's decorative arts.
The formal style aligns with the anonymous portraiture tradition of the late 18th century, focusing on the representation of the subject's likeness. Currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art within The American Wing, the object's physical condition is consistent with its material composition, though specific conservation history is not detailed in the available records.
History & Provenance
The enameled copper portrait of Benjamin Franklin, dated 1785, was created by an unknown artist. This small-scale work, measuring 8 centimeters in height and 6.4 centimeters in width, depicts the American statesman as its main subject. While the specific commission details and the initial ownership chain are not recorded in available documentation, the piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art within its American Wing.
The work is classified as an anonymous painting and represents a late 18th-century artistic interpretation of Franklin. No recorded exhibition history is available in the current sources.
Overview
This small, circular portrait depicts Benjamin Franklin in profile, rendered in enamel on a copper base. The artwork captures the statesman wearing a fur cap and a simple coat, characterized by a soft palette of pale blues, creams, and subtle reddish tones on his cheek. Its compact size and precise execution suggest an intimate portrayal, reflecting a common format for personal mementos or diplomatic gifts of the era.
Artist & collection
