Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.P.1 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin |
Artist |
Peale, Charles Willson |
Date |
1772 |
Description |
Three-quarter length portrait of figure seated in a red chair at a red cloth-covered table, facing to his left. The subject holds papers in his left hand, and his right hand is raised to his face, where he rests his chin on his thumb. He has a rosy complexion, wears round spectacles and a powdered wig, as well as a blue coat with gold buttons and ribbon and a white shirt with ruffled sleeves. Additional books and papers are scattered on the table in the left background. Along the left side of the canvas, facing the sitter, is a large, bronze bust of Isaac Newton. Behind the bust is red drapery. Copy by Charles Willson Peale of the original painted by David Martin in 1766. Unsigned and undated. |
Label |
This portrait of Benjamin Franklin, informally known as the "thumb portrait," highlights his study of "useful knowledge." Franklin is surrounded with books, papers and a bust of Sir Isaac Newton, linking Franklin to a distinguished tradition of natural philosophers. While Franklin's right hand echoes traditional poses of contemplation, the thumb position was uniquely his own. When reading, he was known to rest his elbow on the table and hold his chin with one thumb to keep his spectacles in focus. Commissioned by a friend soon after Franklin arrived in England in 1766, the original portrait by Scottish artist David Martin now hangs in the White House. Franklin admired the portrait so much that he ordered a copy from Martin for his own home in Philadelphia. After Franklin's death, this portrait was displayed in the Independence Hall and the Peale Museum, where its proprietor, Charles Willson Peale, made an additional copy that was presented to the APS in 1785. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-59.188 W-48.5 inches |
Dimension Details |
Framed |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Charles Willson Peale, 1785. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century painting Founding Father APS President glasses |