Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) 1777

Curator: This is a terracotta roundel depicting Benjamin Franklin by Giovanni Battista Nini, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. The diameter is just under five inches. Editor: It projects a quiet dignity, doesn't it? Something about the earthiness of the terracotta conveys a sense of grounded authority. Curator: Franklin's image here resonates with classical portraiture, yet the fur cap adds a distinct American flavor, a conscious decision, I think, to represent him as both an intellectual and a man of the people. Editor: Absolutely. The round shape itself echoes ancient coins, elevating Franklin to near mythical status even during his lifetime, but I see a contradiction between republican ideals and the celebration of individual power. Curator: But the image also subtly nods to his pragmatism. The plainness of the material, the lack of ostentation, it speaks to Franklin's emphasis on utility and civic virtue. Editor: I see your point, but how complicit was Franklin in upholding inequitable structures? This image, carefully crafted, can easily sanitize a complex historical figure. Curator: True. It’s a compelling reminder that images, even small terracotta ones, carry a weight of historical narrative. Editor: It is a testament to the power of symbols, and their ability to shape collective memory.