Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2014.9 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Miniature Portrait of Louis XVI |
Other Name |
Miniature |
Artist |
Sicardi, Louis Marie |
Date |
1784 |
Description |
Half-length miniature watercolor portrait of King Louis XVI. Figure has fair complexion, wears a powdered wig and wears ornate royal garb with a white lace jabot and white with gold shoulder covering. Housed under glass in a simple oval case. Reverse bears the monogram of the king. The case has a hanging loop on its top edge. The portrait and metal case are accompanied by a hinged oval box. Silver frame accompanies, but is not attached to, the miniature and case, and provides sockets for 46 stones. There may have existed another rim of diamonds, along with a crown atop the rim, but it does not survive. |
Label |
Benjamin Franklin’s presence in France between 1776 and 1785 as American commissioner helped ensure French support of the Revolutionary cause. Upon Franklin’s departure for the United States in 1785, King Louis XVI gave him a miniature royal portrait, painted by court artist Louis Sicard (alternatively spelled Sicardi), and surrounded by 408 diamonds. Franklin was a popular figure at court, and it was customary for Louis to distribute tokens representing his likeness to dignitaries and other favorites. However, American ambassadors and government representatives had been forbidden to accept gifts or honors “from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Franklin, not wanting to break this rule, offered to present the miniature to the nation. However, Congress allowed him to keep the painting. In his will, Franklin bequeathed the miniature to his daughter Sally, with the provision that she not wear it as an ornament. Some of the diamonds were removed and sold to finance a trip to England for Sally and her husband Richard Bache. At a later date, other diamonds were removed from the miniature, distributed throughout the family, sold, or set into jewelry. Some of the diamonds have since returned to the APS, including four set in a ring (2011.1). |
Medium |
Miniature: watercolor on ivory; Case: gold |
Dimensions |
H-2.5 W-2 inches |
Dimension Details |
Height incl. extension at top of frame; oval |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of the Richard Bache Duane Family of New York, 2014. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century France Franklin painting |