Medallion 1870 - 1900

Jean-Baptiste Nini created this terracotta medallion of Benjamin Franklin in France, during Franklin’s time as an ambassador there, sometime before the artist’s death in 1786. The portrait captures the likeness of Franklin, but it also speaks volumes about the cultural exchange between France and America during the Enlightenment. Franklin was a celebrity in France, seen as a symbol of American ingenuity and democratic values. He actively cultivated this image. The medallion itself, a relatively small and portable object, reflects the growing market for portraiture among the middle classes. Its existence speaks to the democratizing influence of print culture. Ultimately, understanding this work requires delving into the history of Franco-American relations, exploring Franklin’s biography, and examining the material culture of the 18th century. It's a reminder that art is deeply embedded in its social and institutional contexts.