Artwork
Benjamine Franklin
Benjamine Franklin is a print by the Romanticist artist Edward Savage. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This style of portrait was meant to show the person's character, not just their appearance.
This painting shows Benjamine Franklin.
He's sitting in a chair, looking serious.
The artist took time to get the details right, like the folds in Franklin's clothes and the books on the table, which suggests the subject's importance in American history and culture.
The subject is depicted in a simple setting, which was common for portraits at that time.
This style of portrait was meant to show the person's character, not just their appearance.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Edward Savage (American, 1761–1817)
Overview
Benjamine Franklin is an 1793 print by Edward Savage, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Benjamin Franklin in a contemplative, serious demeanor, emphasizing his significance in American history and culture through meticulous details such as intricately rendered clothing folds and surrounding books.
Technique & Style
Characterized by a simple, unadorned setting typical of late 18th-century portraiture, the work prioritizes conveying Franklin's character over mere physical likeness, aligning with Savage's approach to capturing personality through understated yet detailed compositions.
History & Provenance
Created in 1793 by Edward Savage (American, 1761–1817), the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Context
Reflecting the portraiture conventions of its time, the piece situates Franklin within a tradition of sober, introspective depictions of esteemed figures, where environment was subdued to focus attention on the subject's intellectual or moral stature.
Legacy
As a representation of one of America's founding figures, the print contributes to the visual legacy of Benjamin Franklin, though its specific influence or impact on subsequent art historical developments is not explicitly outlined in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Savage painted America’s first power family in a room full of clues. The Washington Family shows George and Martha Washington seated with two of Martha’s grandchildren and a young man standing behind them. The…
