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The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring a profile relief of Benjamin Franklin. The subject is depicted wearing what appears to be a fur hat, with his face oriented to the left. The sculpture is a rich brown color and is made from a metallic material, likely bronze. Around the relief, the inscription "B. FRANKLIN" and "AMERICAIN" can be seen. The medallion's border is slightly patinated. The piece appears to be a commemorative or decorative medallion. The image is set against a patterned golden background.
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The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring a profile relief of Benjamin Franklin. The subject is depicted wearing what appears to be a fur hat, with his face oriented to the left. The sculpture is a rich brown color and is made from a metallic material, likely bronze. Around the relief, the inscription "B. FRANKLIN" and "AMERICAIN" can be seen. The medallion's border is slightly patinated. The piece appears to be a commemorative or decorative medallion. The image is set against a patterned golden background.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, Diplomat and Statesman

Giovanni Battista Nini after Thomas Walpole

Date
model 1777
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 12.13 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
2015.29.1
Credit line
The McNeil Americana Collection
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • bust facing left
  • portrait
  • cast
  • Acquired after publication of Medals
  • Franklin, Benjamin
Provenance

Robert L. McNeil, Jr. [1915-2010], Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania; his estate; gift 2015 from the McNeil Americana Collection to NGA.

NGA object ID 199203. 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.