To the Genius of Franklin

Currently not on view

To the Genius of Franklin

1778

Marguerite Gérard (French, 1761–1837) Copy in reverse after a drawing of c. 1778 by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (French, 1732–1806)

The Latin motto on this print, which means "He snatched lightning from the sky and the scepter from tyrants," was coined by Anne- Robert-Jacques Turgot (1727-1781), a French statesman and economist. It was often quoted about Benjamin Franklin, although he protested that the phrase gave him too much credit. This portrait gives form to the motto: a Zeus-like Franklin turns aside lightning with the help of Minerva, goddess of Wisdom, while directing Mars, god of War, to overthrow Avarice and Tyranny. The seated figure with a starry crown represents the united American colonies. Franklin's features were probably based on Jean-Jacques Caffieri's bust, made the previous year.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

To the Genius of Franklin

Date:

1778

Artists:

Marguerite Gérard (French, 1761–1837) Copy in reverse after a drawing of c. 1778 by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (French, 1732–1806)

Medium:

Etching

Dimensions:

Image and sheet: 21 11/16 x 16 1/8 inches (55.1 x 41 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 1946

Accession Number:

1946-51-249

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

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Currently not on view