The Earliest Benjamin Franklin Bust Heads to Auction: Art collectors and history buffs would now be able to purchase a truly remarkable artifact-a bust of Benjamin Franklin said to be the first sculptural depiction of the great Founding Father. Designed between 1757 and 1762, this marvelous piece will go under the hammer at Christie’s early next month.
Masterpiece by John Michael Rysbrack
He is known for his accurate portraiture in 18th-century England. The bust is the work of prominent Flemish sculptor John Michael Rysbrack. The accurate artist Rysbrack has made sixteen famous monuments including the sculpture of Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey. Although it is not the first portrait of Benjamin Franklin, an oil painting by Robert Feke is earlier, this bust of Franklin is considered to be the first sculptural one.
Unique Features of the Bust
The bust is rare and certified. Its rear has etched on it the names of Franklin and the artist. On February 7, Christie’s will auction it for between $200,000 and $300,000.
Rediscovery After Centuries
Fascinatingly, the sculpture disappeared from view millennia ago. It resurfaced in the 1980s when a Yorkshire, England bar owner got it from a neighbour. Ignorant of its importance, the owner had it evaluated, which resulted in Christie’s 1986 auction. Resurfacing once again at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014, the bust adds even more to its historical path.
Relationships to Benjamin West’s friend Franklin
Of his known owners, the prominent colonial Pennsylvania artist, Benjamin West was the first one to own this bust. His friend Franklin certainly got inspiration to complete his half painting of Franklin sitting with the American negotiators signing the Treaty of Paris from the bust. Additionally, he also did the painting of the very famous electrical experiment done by Franklin of flying his kite carrying his famous key, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Auction Importance and About
Auctions will now give history buffs and collectors an opportunity to obtain a piece that connects art, history, and one of America’s most powerful personalities-in this case, that being the bust of George Washington at Christie’s. The elaborate craftsmanship and the historical value make it an invaluable piece from the 18th century.
Table: Key Facts About the Benjamin Franklin Bust
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Creator | John Michael Rysbrack |
| Creation Period | 1757-1762 |
| Material | Marble |
| Estimated Value | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Auction Date | February 7 |
| Historical Significance | Believed to be the earliest sculptural portrait of Benjamin Franklin |
| First Known Owner | Benjamin West, Franklin’s friend and artist |
| Discovery | Rediscovered in the 1980s by a pub owner in Yorkshire, England |