Benjamin Franklin plate by Sèvres Porcelain Factory

Benjamin Franklin plate 1801 - 1802

ceramic, enamel

ornate

circular oval feature

decorative element

worm eye perspective photography

egg art

pottery

ceramic

stoneware

framed image

enamel

france

ceramic

decorative art

This Sèvres porcelain plate, made between 1801 and 1802, features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin in the center, surrounded by a garland of fruit and flowers. The cobalt blue background and gold trim highlight the intricate details of the plate. The plate is an example of the Sèvres porcelain factory's mastery of decorative arts during the early 19th century. The inclusion of Franklin's portrait reflects the factory's fascination with prominent figures of the Enlightenment. This piece is an exceptional example of the refined aesthetic of French decorative arts.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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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.