Jean-Baptiste Nini | Terracotta medallion of Franklin's face, "as well known as that of the moon..."

Jean-Baptiste Nini

Terracotta portrait medallion inscribed "B. Franklin Il Dirige la Foudre et Brave les Tirans." [France]: 1778

Terracotta medallion (165 mm diameter). Signed and dated with roman numerals, impressed with Nini's name, the crest, and "1778." Framed (overall 226 mm diameter).

One of seven known examples of this version of Franklin's likeness, from the collection of Georges Perrier.

Nini, employing drawings made by other artists, made several iterations of this Franklin medallion, including a popular first example in 1777 in which Franklin sports a fur cap. The present medallion, crafted one year later, met a new moment: "with the consummation of the Franco-American alliance ... Franklin had become the official representative of a foreign power at the court of France and the publication of a likeness consistent with this ministerial status was thought appropriate" (Sellers, p. 347). In turn, Nini omitted the cap and costume to "give a classic dignity" to the piece.

Here, Franklin is depicted within the French phrase, "B. Franklin Il Dirige la Foudre et Brave les Tirans," or, "B. Franklin He Directs Lightning and Braves Tyrants." The words are separated by symbols including parts of his coat of arms, a hand holding a rod, and a bolt of electricity.

In a letter to his daughter Sally Bache dated 3 June 1779, Franklin describes the clay medallions of all different sizes made in France, of which "the numbers sold are incredible." He adds, "These, with the pictures, busts, and prints, (of which copies upon copies are spread everywhere), have made your father's face as well known as that of the moon... It is said by learned etymologists, that the name doll, for the images children play with, is derived from the word IDOL. From the number of dolls now made of him, he may be truly said, in that sense, to be i-doll-ized in this country" (Bigelow, Vol. VIII).

REFERENCES

Bigelow, The Works of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. VIII: Letters and Misc. Writings, 1779–1781; Sellers, Benjamin Franklin in Portraiture, p. 346–347; Storelli, Jean-Baptiste Nini: Sa Vie—Son Oeuvre, 1717—1786, LXVI

PROVENANCE

Georges Perrier, famed French chef based in Philadelphia — Freeman's, 22 April 2018, lot 44 (undesignated consignor) — Skyler Liechty — Freeman's 27 April 2021, lot 26 (undesignated consignor)