ticketsMember | Make a donation

Figure of Louis XVI and Benjamin Franklin

1780–85
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 723
This figure group in unglazed porcelain depicts the French king Louis XVI and American statesman Benjamin Franklin commemorating the signing of two treaties between France and the United States in 1778. Inscribed "INDEPENDENCE DE L'AMERIQUE" and "LIBERTE DES MERS", the porcelain celebrates the treaties recognizing American independence and guaranteeing the right to trade between the two nations without British interference. Louis is depicted in ceremonial dress, and Franklin in plain garb exhibits the unpretentious demeanor for which he was much loved by the French.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Figure of Louis XVI and Benjamin Franklin
  • Artist: Charles-Gabriel Sauvage, called Lemire pere (1741–1827)
  • Date: 1780–85
  • Geography: Made in Lorraine, France
  • Medium: Porcelain
  • Dimensions: 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 x 6 in. (32.4 x 24.1 x 15.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883
  • Object Number: 83.2.260
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Figure of Mrs. Catherine Macaulay, Chelsea Factory, Porcelain, British
Figure of Mrs. Catherine Macaulay
Chelsea Factory
ca. 1775
Figure of John Wilkes, Chelsea Factory, Porcelain, British
Figure of John Wilkes
Chelsea Factory
ca. 1775
Dish, Porcelain, French, possibly
Dish
French, possibly
ca. 1780
Teapot, Porcelain, French, possibly
Teapot
French, possibly
ca. 1780
Slop Bowl, Porcelain, French, possibly
Slop Bowl
French, possibly
ca. 1780

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.