Enlightenment · The Walters Art Museum · 27.360
Bust of Benjamin Franklin
Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon, late 18th century
The Walters Art Museum · Acquired by Henry Walters, 1906 · Public domain
- Artist
- Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon
- Date
- late 18th century
- Medium
- Terracotta and marble
- Dimensions
- 53.6 cm high with base
- Era
- Enlightenment
Why it matters
Franklin’s international celebrity generated portraits across media and price points. This modeled likeness favors attentive observation over heroic costume, bringing the public figure close through the direct, responsive surface of terracotta.