Medallion 1786

"Medallion" (1786) by Augustin Dupré (1748-1833) is a bronze medal that depicts Benjamin Franklin in profile. The inscription around Franklin's portrait reads "BENJ. FRANKLIN NATUS BOSTON. AMER. 1706," which translates to "Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston, America, 1706." The medal, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistry of Dupré and the enduring legacy of Franklin as a founding father of the United States. This piece exemplifies the tradition of commemorative medallions and highlights the importance of portraiture in 18th-century art.