Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) 1777

Editor: Here we have Giovanni Battista Nini's relief sculpture of Benjamin Franklin. It’s relatively small and depicts Franklin in profile. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating interplay between material and meaning. The choice of terracotta, a humble material, to depict such an important figure suggests a desire to connect Franklin with the common person. How does the mass production of these medallions affect Franklin's image? Editor: That’s interesting. So, this wasn’t about high art, but something more accessible? Curator: Precisely! It challenges the traditional boundaries of art. It's not just about admiring Franklin, but considering how images and objects circulate within society. Editor: I never thought of it that way, but it really changes my perspective. Curator: Thinking about the process and materials opens up new avenues for understanding art's role in culture.