Franklin at the Court of France, 1778 Enormous Antique Engraving 1853

Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA, ca. 1853
"Franklin at the Court of France, 1778" Enormous Antique Engraving 1853
Art

Antique engraving depicting Benjamin Franklin's Reception at the Court of France, 1778, by William Overend Geller (active 1790-1853), after the original painting by Andre-Edouard, Baron Jolly (1799-1883). Franklin is depicted in his humble Quaker clothing, contrasted against the opulent dress of the eighteenth-century French courtiers, as Comtesse Diane de Polignac lays a laurel wreath on his head. According to the Library of Congress, from left to right the historical figures depicted are: Duchesse Jules de Polignac, Princesse Lamballe (holding flowers), Franklin, Diane de Polignac (holding wreath), Comte de Vergennes, Mme Campan, Countess de Neuilly, Marie Antoinette (seated), Louis XVI (also seated), and Princess Elizabeth. This is an impressively oversized engraving on thick paper, measuring 44" x 32", published by William Jay and William Emerson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1853. Damp staining, particularly around the corners/edges and a few edge tears impacting the margin, with one extending a few millimeters into the image at the top. These small edge tears could be made imperceptible with professional matting and framing. Else, in good condition ready to frame!

The engraving depicts Franklin appearing at the Court of Versailles on March 20, 1778, when King Louis XVI avowed the treaty of alliance between France and the United States by formally receiving the American commissioners. Franklin recognized that negotiations with the French would be more successful around a dinner table rather than a meeting room. While in France, he spent a great deal of time in the Paris salons and at dinner parties where issues could be discussed in an informal manner. In this way, Franklin won the trust and respect of the French court. Hand-colored copies of this engraving have been exhibited at the Library of Congress, the Diplomatic Rooms at the U.S. Department of State, and the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles in France.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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44" x 32"