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To the Genius of Franklin

Subject Benjamin Franklin American
1778
Not on view
This is the largest print made by Gérard, Fragonard’s seventeen-year-old sister-in-law, who would go on to become a successful painter. As part of her artistic training Fragonard taught her the technique of etching. Over the course of several months in 1778, she made five prints all based on drawings by her brother-in-law, culminating in this allegorical portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, a popular figure in Paris, is shown under the protective shield of Minerva, instructing Mars to banish the enemies of America, who sits leaning against his knee.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: To the Genius of Franklin
  • Artist: Marguerite Gérard (French, Grasse 1761–1837 Paris)
  • Artist: After Jean Honoré Fragonard (French, Grasse 1732–1806 Paris)
  • Subject: Benjamin Franklin (American, Boston 1706–1790 Philadelphia)
  • Date: 1778
  • Medium: Etching printed in brown ink; first state of two
  • Dimensions: Image: 21 5/8 × 16 1/2 in. (54.9 × 41.9 cm)
    Sheet: 22 3/8 x 17 3/4 in. (56.8 x 45.1 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883
  • Object Number: 83.2.230
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

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The Child and the Bulldog, Marguerite Gérard French, Etching; second state of three
The Child and the Bulldog
Marguerite Gérard
Jean Honoré Fragonard
1778
To the Genius of Franklin, Marguerite Gérard French, Etching; second state of two
To the Genius of Franklin
Multiple artists/makers
1779
Scrapbook of Drawings and Prints, Gideon Saint British, Pen and ink, engraving and etching
Scrapbook of Drawings and Prints
Gideon Saint
ca. 1760
Village Girl Dancing, Abraham Bosse French, Etching
Village Girl Dancing
Abraham Bosse
Jean I Leblond
1626–28
Mascarade à la Grecque; Suite des Vases; and [Cheminées], Ennemond Alexandre Petitot French, Etching
Mascarade à la Grecque; Suite des Vases; and [Cheminées]
Multiple artists/makers
1771, 1764

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