Artwork
Medallion of Benjamin Franklin
Medallion of Benjamin Franklin is an oil painting. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This small oil painting on wood depicts Benjamin Franklin in profile.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Rendered in oil on wood, the work adopts a classical medallic format, evoking the profile portraits found on coins and commemorative medals.
The Medallion of Benjamin Franklin (1829) presents a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the American statesman, inventor, and polymath. Rendered in oil on wood, the work adopts a classical medallic format, evoking the profile portraits found on coins and commemorative medals. This compositional choice underscores Franklin’s enduring legacy and public stature, aligning him with historical figures of significance.
The depiction of Franklin as a man of distinction, without overt symbolic attributes, emphasizes his intellectual and civic contributions, suggesting reverence for his role in shaping early American identity. The profile view, a traditional mode for honoring individuals, reinforces the work’s commemorative purpose, celebrating Franklin’s influence on science, politics, and diplomacy.
History & Provenance
The Medallion of Benjamin Franklin, an 1829 oil painting on wood panel, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Classified within the museum's American Wing, the work depicts Benjamin Franklin in profile. While the specific accession number is not provided in the available records, the object is cataloged as a painting by an anonymous artist.
The piece measures 14.6 centimeters in height and 10.8 centimeters in width. As of the provided documentation, no specific exhibition history or past display locations outside of the museum's permanent collection are recorded.
Overview
This small oil painting on wood depicts Benjamin Franklin in profile. Rather than a formal, large-scale portrait, this piece functions as a personal keepsake, likely intended for display within a private home. Its modest size and intimate presentation suggest it was valued for its commemorative quality, offering a tangible connection to the prominent American figure.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on a wooden oval, the medallion demonstrates a precise yet economical approach to portraiture. The artist, whose identity remains unrecorded, employed a technique that combines careful observation with a spontaneous quality, reminiscent of a quick sketch. This style evokes the crisp lines and defined features often found on commemorative coins or medals, translating that aesthetic into painted form.
Artist & collection
