Figure of Louis XVI and Benjamin Franklin

Charles-Gabriel Sauvage, called Lemire pere

1780–85 · Porcelain · The American Wing

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.

Artist

Charles-Gabriel Sauvage, called Lemire pere

Date

1780–85

Medium

Porcelain

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883