Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) c. 1778

Curator: At Harvard Art Museums, we see Joseph Duplessis' portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Look at his shrewd gaze! Editor: The texture of the fur collar and the sheen on the coat are remarkable. Duplessis really captured the materiality. Curator: Indeed. Consider the time, though. This image reinforced Franklin's identity as a sophisticated American envoy in France, a strategic visual for a nation seeking allies. Editor: But the formal composition—the oval frame, the soft lighting—it all contributes to a sense of dignified composure. Curator: Yes, carefully constructed for consumption back home, influencing the public's view of Franklin and America itself. Editor: I see a masterful balance of line and light which evokes a sense of warmth that transcends mere statecraft. Curator: A potent reminder of how art becomes a tool in shaping perceptions of power. Editor: A captivating encounter with an icon, skillfully rendered.