Medallion of Benjamin Franklin

Art Historical Context

This delicate plaster medallion, crafted by French artist Jean Martin Renaud around1797, captures the dignified profile of Benjamin Franklin, polymath Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat. Measuring just 3⅜ inches in diameter, it exemplifies the neoclassical taste for classical cameos and coins, rendered in low relief to evoke ancient Roman portraiture. Displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, it entered the collection in 1902 as a gift from A. Lucas. Franklin's death in 1790 had sparked a wave of commemorative portraits across Europe, particularly in France where he was a revolutionary hero. Renaud's work, likely a posthumous tribute, reflects this transatlantic admiration, blending American iconography with European artistry. Plaster, a versatile and affordable medium, allowed for detailed modeling of Franklin's features—his balding head, spectacles, and resolute gaze—making such intimate sculptures accessible to collectors beyond gilded bronzes or marbles. As a snapshot of early American celebrity culture, this medallion highlights how profile portraits immortalized leaders, bridging Enlightenment ideals with classical revival. Visitors will appreciate its tactile charm, a humble yet eloquent nod to Franklin's enduring legacy.

About the Artist

Jean Martin Renaud (French) · 1746 –1821

French, Sarreguemines 1746–1821 Paris