facing right in russet coloured coat and waistcoat, frilled cravat, signed and dated 1786, enamel on copper
inclusive of buyer premium, Christie's London. Dr Franklin, American statesman and scientist, was actively involved in the deliberations which led to the declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776. To secure foreign assistance in the war, he was sent to Paris in 1776 and signed a treaty of alliance with France two years later. On September 1783 his mission was crowned with success through England's recognition of the independence of the United States. He returned to Philadelphia and was elected president of the state of Pennsylvania and participated in the convention which framed the constitution of the USA. He retired from public life in 1788. It is not known whether this miniature was painted from life by Perrache who was working in London from 1783 until his death. His enamels are rather varied in quality and some are stiff and hard. However the faces of his sitters are usually finely painted. This portrait carried a high estimate of £ 8,000 but its historical interest was enough to push the price much higher. It had been previously sold by Christie's on February 18th 1969 for 350 guineas (some US $ 700).
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