Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) 1778

This oval portrait of Benjamin Franklin is by Joseph Duplessis. Look at how the soft, diffused light gently models Franklin's face, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. Duplessis masterfully uses the formal constraints of portraiture to convey Franklin’s character. The composition is structured by the contrast between the warm, earthy tones of Franklin’s coat and the cooler, muted background. This juxtaposition draws our attention to Franklin’s face, which is rendered with remarkable detail and realism. The soft, almost sfumato-like blending of tones around the edges of his face creates a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. The oval frame, adorned with classical motifs, further emphasizes the subject’s importance and status. The inscription "VIR" suggests an ideal of virtue or manliness. However, the artist’s decision to portray Franklin in relatively simple attire, without grand adornments, reflects the sitter’s own values of republicanism and intellectualism. Ultimately, this portrait serves not just as a record of Franklin's likeness but also as a complex statement about identity, virtue, and representation in the Age of Enlightenment.