Artwork
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is a print by the Romanticist artist Pierre-Michel Alix. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The painting gives us a glimpse of what Franklin looked like, and it's clear the artist wanted to show his personality.
This painting shows Benjamin Franklin sitting in a chair.
He looks thoughtful, with a book in his hand.
The artist paid attention to the details of Franklin's face and clothes, which makes the painting interesting because it was created during a time when Franklin was a well-known figure in France.
The painting gives us a glimpse of what Franklin looked like, and it's clear the artist wanted to show his personality.
The artist's work on Franklin's expression is notable.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of the artist: Pierre-Michel Alix (French, 1762–1817).
Overview
This 1795 engraving by Pierre-Michel Alix portrays Benjamin Franklin in contemplative pose, capturing his likeness with meticulous attention to facial features and attire.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting Franklin with a book, the work reflects his revered intellectual persona, particularly significant during his popularity in France at the time.
Technique & Style
Alix's detailed rendering of Franklin's expression and dress exemplifies his characteristic attention to detail, typical of 18th-century French portraiture engraving.
History & Provenance
Part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, this piece is among Alix's notable works found in esteemed institutions like the Louvre and Bibliothèque nationale.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Michel Alix (1762 – 27 December 1817) was a French engraver. He studied under Jacques-Philippe Le Bas and was best known for his portraits of notable figures during the French Revolution and First French Empire.…
