Portret van Benjamin Franklin 1823 - 1882

Editor: This is a graphite drawing entitled "Portret van Benjamin Franklin" from between 1823 and 1882, attributed to Friedrich Weber. It feels rather formal and stately, perhaps a little imposing given the subject. How do you interpret the visual language in this portrait? Curator: Indeed, a stately image, isn't it? Consider the fur-lined coat—what connotations might such an article of clothing carry? Wealth? Status? Something else perhaps? This isn't simply about depicting Franklin; it's about constructing an image laden with symbolic weight. Editor: I suppose the fur conveys a sense of importance, maybe even power. But how does that connect to Franklin specifically? Curator: Franklin, even during his lifetime, became an American icon. Images like these, circulating perhaps in printed books or pamphlets, contributed to that image, solidifying a particular reading of him for future generations. They evoke ideas about who should be remembered, and why. Editor: So, this portrait is not just a likeness but also a conscious construction of legacy? Curator: Precisely! And note the inscription: simply his name, anchoring the image to his persona. How potent that image must have been! Weber's artwork serves as both portrait and a piece of nation-building, recalling memory through iconography. It really prompts reflection on how we visually communicate our collective history, don't you think? Editor: Yes, I now see it’s more than just a picture; it is an artifact of cultural memory and enduring relevance. Thank you.