Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) 1745 - 1802

Joseph Duplessis painted this oval portrait of Benjamin Franklin in the late 18th century, capturing a man of intellect and influence. Franklin is depicted wearing a fur collar, which speaks to the necessity of survival and adaptation, linking him to early hunter-gatherer societies. Consider the symbolic weight of fur throughout art history. It is present in portraits of noblemen and dignitaries as a symbol of status and power, tracing back to animalistic and ancient roots. But now think of the image of Saint John the Baptist, often depicted wearing animal skins to symbolize his detachment from worldly pleasures and connection to the divine. The choice of attire carries echoes of these earlier depictions, evolving through time to communicate the sitter's status and character. This garment is not just a piece of clothing; it's a symbol of survival, status, and identity, subtly yet powerfully engaging our subconscious understanding of social and cultural symbols. The fur continues to surface, reborn in new contexts, and laden with layered meanings.