Antique 18th Century Political Terracotta Portrait Medallion Benjamin Franklin Jean Baptiste Nini 1777

An important 18th century terracotta portrait roundel of Benjamin Franklin, by Jean-Baptiste Nini (1717-1786), signed and dated 1777.
     A profile portrait-relief of Benjamin Franklin wearing his signature fur hat within a circular terracotta medallion. The upper surface of the medallion reads: "B. FRANKLIN / AMERICAIN" around the image. Impressed on the tranche of the sitter’s shoulder "Nini / F1777" has been engraved, with an additional "1777" repeated below. A relief shield has been rendered to the right of these inscriptions; the shield is emblazoned with a lightning rod and thunderbolt and surmounted by a crown.
     Jean-Baptiste Nini was known as a sculptor and medalist, working in France in the mid to late 1700s. Franklin was a hugely popular figure in Paris. Here the Italian sculptor Nini depicts the American in profile wearing a fur cap that had become associated with him from a portrait by Allan Ramsay, who painted it in 1766, and which was well known from engravings.
     Condition is very good, the portrait roundel is mounted in a gilt frame this rare piece of politcal memorabilia of one of America's founding fathers and polital heavyweights from the 1700s, ready to hang on your wall.

Imperial

8.5 inches high × 8.5 inches wide × 1.75 inches deep

Metric

high × wide x deep

Displayed rates are for shipping in the Continental U.S. and Canada. For other locations, kindly contact us and we will provide the most competitive shipping price available. All shipments are professionally packed and shipped insured with full tracking capabilities. Customers are also welcome to collect their items from our warehouses or arrange their own shipping.