Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's quick sketch of Benjamin Franklin. It feels so immediate, like Sargent just captured a fleeting moment. What do you make of it? Curator: It's all in the eyes, isn't it? That intense gaze, though rendered with such economy of line, speaks volumes about Franklin's intellect and determination. Sargent's captured that spark, that… electricity. Editor: Electricity, exactly! So, it's not just a portrait, but a glimpse into the man's character? Curator: Precisely! It's a reminder that even in a simple sketch, a master artist can reveal the inner life of a subject. I wonder what Franklin would have thought of it? Editor: A quick rendering of a revolutionary. Thanks for that insight!