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Desirable original circa 1777 terracotta portrait medallion of Benjamin Franklin by Jean Baptiste Nini, measuring 4.5˝ in diameter, featuring a profile portrait of Franklin raised in relief. The finely detailed image shows the great statesman in a fur hat, encircled by the legend: "B. Franklin, Americain." The artist's name and year are etched below his shoulder: "Nini, 1777." In fine condition, with a few small chips to the rim.
Benjamin Franklin, widely admired at home and abroad, was especially beloved in France: during his time as ambassador to the nation (1776–1785), his charm, wit, and diplomatic skills won him celebrity status in Parisian society. Franklin capitalized on his fame to further the cause of freedom, successfully negotiating for the French financial and military support that was crucial for America's victory against Britain.
In 1777, Italian sculptor Jean Baptiste Nini crafted a terracotta medallion of Benjamin Franklin, today regarded as one of the most significant collectibles created contemporary to the American Revolution. Commissioned by Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, Franklin's host and a supporter of the American cause, Nini based the medallion on a drawing by Thomas Walpole. This portrayal resonated with the French public, leading to widespread production of the medallion in various sizes and materials. Franklin humorously noted in a letter to his daughter that his likeness had become as familiar as that of the moon, with numerous reproductions adorning items like snuffbox lids and rings. Nini's medallion not only commemorated Franklin's presence in France but also symbolized the burgeoning Franco-American alliance during the Revolutionary era.
