Plaque 1776 - 1830

This striking plaque immortalizing Benjamin Franklin was crafted by James Tassie in the 18th century. The profile portrait, encircled by an inscription, echoes the tradition of Roman imperial portraiture, a deliberate nod to Franklin's stature and influence. The laurel wreath, notably absent here, usually symbolizes triumph and honor, tracing back to ancient Greece where it adorned victors and emperors. Its omission might suggest a focus on Franklin's civic contributions rather than military glory, or perhaps subtly implying that his legacy was still in the making at the time. Consider how portraiture has evolved: from idealized representations of power to more intimate portrayals of individuals, revealing a complex interplay between personal identity and public persona. The image of the hero, the venerated leader, persists across time, continuously reshaped by collective memory. The emotional resonance of Franklin's likeness lies in his embodiment of Enlightenment ideals, a legacy of reason and innovation. This symbol is not fixed, but fluid, constantly re-emerging and adapting.