Benjamin Franklin plate, 1801-1802
Sèvres Porcelain Factoryexpand_more
Glazed porcelain, enamel, giltexpand_more
Gift of the Decorative Arts Council with proceeds from the 2001 Antiques Show and Saleexpand_more 2001.219
Not on Viewexpand_more
This plate displays the Sèvres factory’s unmatched skill in decorating porcelain. At least three painters took part in ornamenting it. One created the enameled garland of fruits and flowers, another painted the cobalt-blue ground, and a third depicted the bronze bust of Benjamin Franklin on a fake marble background. Sèvres produced several images of Franklin but made only a few plates in this neoclassical pattern. This plate seems to be the only one left.
Franklin was the first American ambassador to France, where he was beloved for his wisdom and diplomacy. He admired French culture, and after returning to Philadelphia in 1785 he promoted French taste in household furnishings.
Details
- Title
- Benjamin Franklin plate
- Artist Life
- Paris, 1756–present
- Role
- Manufacturer
- Accession Number
- 2001.219
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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