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This iconic image of
Benjamin Franklin was engraved and published in Paris in
1777, while Franklin was serving as the American
commissioner to France. During his time abroad, Franklin
became a celebrity among French society and his
brilliance, quirky American mannerisms, and charm were
instrumental in maintaining the strong relationship
between France and America during the Revolutionary War.
Franklin's charming rustic fur cap became a
quintessential icon of the American during his time in
Europe. He remained in France for nine years, leaving in
1785 only after the American Revolution ended and peace
with England was concluded. This engraving, based on a
drawing by Charles Nicolas Cochin, was produced in 1777,
soon after Franklin arrived. The "Journal de Paris"
first announced the print in the June 16, 1777 edition. It was one of the first
engravings done of Franklin in France, and the image of
Franklin with his fur cap was reproduced by many other
engravers in future years. Franklin himself was
pleased with the engraving and sent examples of print
back home to America. The engraving was done by Augustin de Saint Aubin, a highly accomplished engraver
working in Paris as a royal engraver for King Louis XVI.
The imprint below the image reads:
"Dessine par C. N.
Cochin Chevalier de l'Ordre du Roi, en 1777 et Grave par
Aug. de St. Aubin Graveur de la Bibliotheque du Roi. Se
vend a Paris ches C. N. Cochin aux Galleries du Louvre;
et ches Aug. de St. Aubin, rue des Mathurins."
An engraving of
George Washington (IAS-00017),
in the same style and form with a
port-hole view and similar name plate, was also engraved
by St. Aubin after a drawing by Cochin. Unlike the
Franklin engraving, the Washington engraving is undated,
but the imprint, style, and representation of Washington
after a Charles Willson Peale portrait, as well as this
associated Benjamin Franklin engraving done in 1777, are
sufficient evidence to date the Washington engraving to
the same period, circa 1777-1780.
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