To the Genius of Franklin

Marguerite Gérard French
 After Jean Honoré Fragonard French
 Subject Benjamin Franklin American

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.

To the Genius of Franklin, Marguerite Gérard (French, Grasse 1761–1837 Paris), Etching printed in brown ink; first state of two

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To the Genius of Franklin, Marguerite Gérard (French, Grasse 1761–1837 Paris), Etching printed in brown ink; first state of two
To the Genius of Franklin, Marguerite Gérard (French, Grasse 1761–1837 Paris), Etching printed in brown ink; first state of two

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