Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1976.03 |
Object Name |
Figurine |
Title |
The Old English Gentleman (Benjamin Franklin) |
School |
Staffordshire |
Date |
1825-30 |
Description |
Staffordshire ceramic figurine of Benjamin Franklin. Figure stands on oval base, and holds a black tricorn cap in left hand and document in right hand. Most of the of figure is white, save for brown shoulder length hair, beige face with rosy cheeks, black buckle shoes, and a pink cravat, along with gold embellishments. He wears a coat, vest, and breeches. The front of the base is labeled "The Old English Gentleman." and a white rock appears attached to the figures left leg. |
Label |
This ceramic figurine is an adaptation of François Marie Suzanne's 1793 terracotta statuette of Benjamin Franklin. Suzanne’s statuette was frequently reproduced, with variations of costume and poses. This figurine was produced in Staffordshire, a ceramics manufacturing center in northwest England. To better market the piece, it was labeled "The Old English Gentleman," after a popular 1836 ballad that celebrated "a fine old English gentleman" who "quaffed a cup a' good old wine, to warm his good old nose." |
Medium |
Ceramic |
Dimensions |
H-16 W-6 D-5 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Paul Horgan, 1976. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century 19th century nineteenth century Founding Father sculpture APS President |