Portrait of Benjamin Franklin 1778

Curator: Here we have Joseph Duplessis's "Portrait of Benjamin Franklin," painted in 1778. Editor: My first thought? Comfort! The composition exudes a cozy domesticity, emphasized by the plush fur collar. It’s very…approachable, really. Curator: That "approachability" is cleverly constructed. Note how Duplessis uses the oval frame to concentrate attention inward, onto Franklin’s face. It's Neoclassical, but avoids excessive formality, doesn't it? Editor: Indeed. The semiotics are interesting; the reddish-brown of the coat, mirrored in the subject’s cheeks, create a warmth, a stark contrast to, say, David’s stoic portraits. The ruffled shirt adds an interesting visual softness, while the fur… I mean, is it beaver? Maybe Duplessis meant to symbolize American industriousness? Curator: It certainly invites speculation! Franklin, at this point, was in France seeking support for the American Revolution. This portrait had to communicate his worthiness, his solidity, and intellect. Editor: Do you think this work leans heavily into idealization or realism? I mean, are we really capturing Franklin as he truly was, or is this persona carefully calibrated? Curator: It’s a delicate balancing act, no? The flushed cheeks, slightly weary eyes…Duplessis captures age without sacrificing dignity. There's this raw honesty, which endears the viewers. He doesn’t gloss over Franklin’s humanity, but rather uses it to underscore his wisdom. Editor: True. I think its subtle emotional tenor accounts for this artwork’s enduring resonance. There is so much that you can tell here, without him needing to make an overtly serious face. I think, in effect, it is an ideal portrayal for such a historical person! Curator: Agreed. The interplay of formal structure with frank emotional expression truly sets it apart. Editor: Yes, indeed, it manages to be both refined and, somehow, very, very human.