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The sculpture depicts a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin in relief on a circular terracotta medallion. Franklin is shown wearing a fur hat, coat, and cravat. The medallion includes inscriptions that read "B. FRANKLIN" and "AMERICAIN". Franklin's features and attire are depicted with high detail, emphasizing his historical significance.
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The sculpture depicts a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin in relief on a circular terracotta medallion. Franklin is shown wearing a fur hat, coat, and cravat. The medallion includes inscriptions that read "B. FRANKLIN" and "AMERICAIN". Franklin's features and attire are depicted with high detail, emphasizing his historical significance.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, Diplomat and Statesman

Giovanni Battista Nini

Date
1777
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 12.13 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
2004.50.9
Credit line
Gift of Dr. Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • bust facing left
  • portrait
  • pierced
  • Acquired after publication of Medals
  • Franklin, Benjamin
Provenance

Purchased by Dr. Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher, Kinnelon, New Jersey; gift 2004 to NGA.

Inscription

around circumference: .B.FRANKLIN..AMERICAIN.; stamped on the truncation: NINI / F 1777; below the truncation: 1777; stamped reverse: [a fleur de lis]

NGA object ID 129806. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.