Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1955.1650m2 |
Object Name |
Bric-a-brac |
Title |
Rococo Stand with Medal |
Artist |
Unknown |
Description |
Rococo stand with cupid gesturing or holding an ornamental frame where medal was once affixed. Medal (not pictured) Obverse: overlapping, bas-relief, profile portraits of Benjamin Franklin and Jean Baptiste Antoine Auget de Montyon in center. "FRANKLIN / BIENFAISANCE DU GÉNIE" on left side by Franklin and "MONTYON / GÉNIE DE LA BIENFAISANCE" on right side by Montyon. Reverse: stylized wreath and "SOCIÉTÉ MONTYON ET FRANKLIN POUR LES PORTRAITS DES HOMMES UTILES" around perimeter. "LES SOUSCRIPTEURS ASSOCIÉS POUR PROPAGER L'HISTOIRE DES BIENFAITEURS DE L'HUMANITÉ 1833." in center. |
Label |
This rococo stand was likely designed with a clock or mirror in the face, but was later appropriated as a medal stand. The design, including the use of the cherub figure, curved legs, and asymmetrical placement, is typical of rococo style, a decorative arts movement founded in 18th-century Paris and adopted throughout Europe. The medal which was affixed to the stand depicts Benjamin Franklin and Jean Baptiste Antoine Auget, Baron de Montyon. Montyon, a French lawyer and philanthropist, was known for his charitable donations and for establishing a number of awards and prizes, many of which continue to this day and are awarded through the French academies. The medal, engraved by Jacques-Jean Barré, commemorates Montyon and Franklin as two “useful men,” and was issued by the Société Montyon et Franklin in 1833. The Société’s goal was to spread the knowledge of famous philanthropists, and in the 1830s it published memoirs and portraits of men considered human benefactors. This medal was struck in bronze and silver in commemoration of the founding of the society and was given to the subscribers to the publications. A gold version of the medal was awarded to men who were distinguished in the field of philanthropy. |
Material |
Bronze |
Dimensions |
H-6 W-5 D-2.5 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
Founding Father commemorative sculpture French |