Benjamin Franklin 1852

Editor: Here we have Henry Kirke Brown's bronze sculpture, "Benjamin Franklin," created in 1852. It's a profile portrait, almost medal-like in its presentation. What strikes me is how the bronze seems to simultaneously elevate Franklin while also grounding him in earthly materials. What's your take? Curator: It's fascinating to consider bronze here. Beyond mere commemoration, it signifies labor, extraction, and trade – processes deeply entwined with Franklin's life. This wasn't just art, but a product of complex economic systems and material consumption in America’s rapidly industrializing mid-19th century. What kind of a figure was Franklin, then, and what work did images of him perform? Editor: So, it's not just a portrait of a famous man, but a commentary on the society that produced him, using the very materials of that society? Does the mass production of bronze castings also affect the value we assign it? Curator: Precisely. Think about the molds, the foundries, the laborers involved in replicating this image. The transition to mass-produced bronze statues democratized art, making iconic figures like Franklin more accessible, yet potentially diluting the artistic aura surrounding a unique, hand-crafted piece. Where does value lie then? Is it in the artistic vision, the manual skill, or its potential as capital? Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective on portraiture. I usually think about the subject and the artist's intentions. Curator: That's one avenue of thinking, sure. But let's try to extend analysis. This sculpture, as a product of mid-19th-century industrial capitalism, compels us to engage with social and economical contexts. Understanding this work relies on seeing how art, materials and socio-economic conditions are inextricably intertwined. Editor: It's amazing to see how a seemingly straightforward sculpture can reveal so much about the cultural and economic forces at play during its creation. Curator: Absolutely. Examining art through a materialist lens brings the socio-economic dynamics that inform artistic production into sharp relief.