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Inscription

In plate, at lower center: ERIPUIT COELE FULMEN SCEPTRUM QUE TIRANNIS / Au GENIE de FRANKLIN; text printed on fragment from single-sheet advertisement cut and pasted below platemark at center: Eripuit coelo fulmen, sceptrumque tyrannis. / Inspiré par ce vers, qui remplit l'idée & les connoissances profondes de Franklin & de la sagesse dans la révolution du Nouveau Monde, le Peintre l'a représenté tout-à-la-fois opposant d'une main l'Egide de Minerve a la foudre, qu'il a sçu fixer par des Conducteurs, & de l'autre ordonnant a Mars de combattre l'avarice & la tyrannie; tandis que l'Amérique, noblement appuyée sur lui & tenant un faisceau, symbole des Provinces-unies, contemple avec tranquilité ses ennemis terrassés. [Inspired by this verse, which captures the spirit and deep understanding of Franklin and his wisdom in the revolution of the New World, the painter has shown him at once holding Minerva's shield against the lightning, which he had controlled via his conductors, and with the other ordering Mars to battle avarice and tyranny; while America, leaning nobly on him and holding fasces, symbol of the United Provinces, calmy gazes upon her vanquished enemies.]

Provenance

(William Schab, New York); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1960; gift to NGA, 1964.

Exhibition History

1978
French Printmaking in the Time of Fragonard and Robert, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1978-1979, no cat.

Bibliography

1956
Wildenstein, Georges. Fragonard acquafortiste. Paris: Les Beaux-Arts, 1956.
1984
Carlson, Victor I. and John W. Ittman. Regency to Empire : French Printmaking 1715-1814. Minneapolis, MN, 1984: 78 (attrib. to Gerard, after Fragonard).

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