Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, Diplomat and Statesman

model 1777

Giovanni Battista Nini

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Nini

Artist, Italian, 1717 - 1786

Thomas Walpole

Artist After, British, 1755 - 1840

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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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Bibliography

1862

  • Villers, Alfred. Jean-Baptiste Nini ses terres cuites, Blois, 1862: 18-22, 56-57.

1896

  • Storelli, André. Jean-Baptiste Nini. Sa Vie. Son Oeuvre 1717-1786, Tours, 1896: 113-114, repro (cover and frontispiece).

1962

  • Sellers, Charles Coleman. Benjamin Franklin in Portraiture, New Haven, CT, 1962: 343-348.

1979

  • Forrer, Leonard. Biographical Dictionary of Medallists: Coin, Gem, and Seal-Engravers, Mint-Masters, &c., Ancient and Modern, with References to Their Works, B.C. 500–A.D. 1900, vol. 4. London: 1979: 268-276, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63863982

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