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Learn MoreSèvres 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
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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. . .
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
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) |
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Read MoreAt 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