To the Genius of Franklin

Marguerite Gérard|Jean Honoré Fragonard|Benjamin Franklin

1778 · Etching printed in brown ink, first state of two · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

Marguerite Gérard|Jean Honoré Fragonard|Benjamin Franklin

Date

1778

Medium

Etching printed in brown ink, first state of two

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883