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Benjamin Franklin, Engraving, Paris 1777

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.


 

A Revolutionary War era print of Benjamin Franklin engraved in Paris while Franklin was serving as the American Commissioner to France.

 

Media:  Engraving on Paper

Date:  1777

War:  American Revolution

Type:  Engraving

Catalog Number:  IAS-00421


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New York City, 1868

 


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