Statuett

Art Historical Context

This elegant bronze statuette, titledStatuett*, captures iconic profile of Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most revered Founding Fathers. Standing at 9 1/4 inches (23.5 cm) high, it exemplifies 19th-century portraiture in miniature form, likely produced between 1800 and 1883 by an unknown artist. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing and gifted by William H. Huntington in1883, the piece reflects the era's fascination with Franklin's legacy as a statesman, inventor, and polymath. Bronze, a durable and prestigious medium, allowed for intricate casting techniques that preserved fine details in Franklin's noble profile—think his signature spectacles, receding hairline, and thoughtful gaze. Profile views were popular in neoclassical sculpture, echoing ancient Roman coins and medals, which symbolized enduring virtue and wisdom. Such statuettes adorned homes and studies, serving as personal tributes to Enlightenment ideals during a time of growing American national pride. Today, this work invites us to ponder Franklin's enduring influence, from his role in the Declaration of Independence to his experiments with electricity. A testament to anonymous craftsmanship, it bridges art and history in The Met's collection.