Skip to product information
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon

  • Benjamin Franklin is unequivocally one of the most important figures in American history
  • This handsome porcelain bust was cast by the illustrious Sèvres factory after Jean-Antoine Houdon
  • Houdon's bust of Franklin became one of the most iconic portraits of his career
  • Important versions of this work are held in major collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Get complete item description here
$39,850
Item No. 31-8970

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most important figures in American and world history. This Sèvres Parian sculpture shows the stoic intellectual as he looked during the American Revolution in powerful, lifelike detail.

Franklin was a monumental celebrity during his time as minister from the American colonies to France from 1776 to 1785. His likeness was reproduced across all media—from sculptures and paintings to prints and miniatures—to satisfy popular demand. As the foremost portrait. . .
Read More
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most important figures in American and world history. This Sèvres Parian sculpture shows the stoic intellectual as he looked during the American Revolution in powerful, lifelike detail.

Franklin was a monumental celebrity during his time as minister from the American colonies to France from 1776 to 1785. His likeness was reproduced across all media—from sculptures and paintings to prints and miniatures—to satisfy popular demand. As the foremost portrait sculptor of the 18th century, Jean-Antoine Houdon visited Benjamin Franklin during his stay in Versailles. Houdon created several busts of Franklin in terracotta, marble and plaster, capturing the statesman's intellectual prowess. These sculptures depict Franklin in simple Quaker attire, with natural, unpowdered hair and his characteristic piercing gaze.

Houdon exhibited his acclaimed terracotta version of Franklin's bust in the French Royal Academy Salon exhibition of 1779. Like other sculptors, Houdon sent works to the Salon to attract commissions for reproductions, and several early versions went to esteemed clientele such as Thomas Jefferson, a German prince and four copies to Franklin himself. Today, two important marble busts by Houdon belong to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The demand for Houdon's busts of Franklin has endured for centuries, and the present Parian bust—a type of bisque porcelain that beautifully imitates the appearance of marble—was cast from one of Houdon's 1778 sculptures by revered French ceramics firm, Sèvres. As the preeminent porcelain manufacturer in Europe since the mid-18th century, Sèvres has an enduring legacy marked by utmost artistry and the finest craftsmanship. Similar exquisite busts of important figures such as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette reside in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Royal Collection.

Cast circa 1900

Signed "Houdon 1778" and inscribed "Franklin" and "Sevres L.P."

18" high x 11 7/8" wide x 9" deep

Provenance:
Private Collection, Maryland
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Period: 20th Century
Origin: France
Type: Figurines/Statuettes
Depth: 9.0 in. (22.86 cm)
Width: 11.88 in. (30.16 cm)
Height: 18.0 in. (45.72 cm)
Sèvres Bust of Benjamin Franklin after Jean-Antoine Houdon
The American Identity: Legacy of Art and Patriotism

Amidst the United States' numerous transformations, challenges and progress, artists played a crucial role in identifying, narrating and expressing the ever-evolving ideals of this grand experiment. The creative minds of these visionaries gave...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.