Where can I see Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin?

Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin?

Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin

Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin is an oil painting. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Unlike formal, commissioned artworks, this piece was likely created as an affordable, rapid likeness, suggesting its intended use for widespread distribution.

This small, circular oil portrait on cardboard depicts Benjamin Franklin, with his face illuminated from one side, highlighting his sharp gaze and prominent eyebrows. Unlike formal, commissioned artworks, this piece was likely created as an affordable, rapid likeness, suggesting its intended use for widespread distribution. It offers insight into the popular image of Franklin among the general populace, distinct from the more elaborate portrayals favored by wealthy patrons.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on cardboard, this portrait exhibits a direct and economical approach to its subject. The artist, who remains anonymous, prioritized speed and accessibility over detailed finish or individual artistic expression. The choice of medium and the unrefined execution point to its function as a readily reproducible image, rather than a unique fine art object. This method allowed for the creation of numerous likenesses, making Franklin's image widely available.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of this plaque portrait is Benjamin Franklin, a prominent figure of his era. Its significance lies in its departure from traditional, high-status portraiture. By presenting Franklin in a format suitable for mass production, the artwork provides a glimpse into how his image permeated everyday life.

It reflects a popular understanding and appreciation of Franklin, offering a counterpoint to the more formal and idealized representations commissioned by the elite.

Plaque Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, Louis Benjamin Huber Defeuille

Artist & collection

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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