Benjamin Franklin 1818

This is a bronze portrait medal of Benjamin Franklin, made by Armand-Auguste Caqué sometime in the 19th century. Bronze medals like this one were typically produced using a process called striking, where a die or mold is used to impress a design onto a metal blank. The warm, brown color of the bronze gives the medal a sense of history and gravitas, and its smooth surface is satisfying to the touch, inviting handling and close inspection. The inscription of Franklin's name reminds us of the power of language and communication. Medals such as this one would have circulated widely, acting as a form of portable propaganda, spreading the fame and reputation of its subject. The medal is both a work of art and a product of industrial processes, and the making and circulation of the medal are just as important as the final design, blurring boundaries between art, craft, and design.