Price: SOLD
SKU: 100794
ARTIST: Antoine Borel
PUBLISHER: A Paris ches l'Auteur rue Boucherat au coin de la rue Xaintonge.
MEDIUM: Engraving.
DATE: 1778.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 17 1/8 x 13 3/4" (43.5 x 35 cm)
DESCRIPTION: Bored invenit et delineavit 1778. J. C. Le Vasseur Sculptor Regis et Majest.m Imprein et Regin Sculp.<BR><BR>' A scarce allegorical print celebrating the American cause during the American Revolution.<br><br> Engraving by Jean Charles Le Vasseur (1734-1816) after a drawing by Antoine Borel. The setting of the allegory is a forest, identified as the New World by the presence of a palm tree. The image revolves around a central figure of a stern-faced Franklin in classical garb crowned by a wreath of laurel. His right hand is placed protectively on the shoulder of an Indian maiden who crouches at the base of a statue of Liberty. In his left hand is a rod with which he gestures toward America as he watches while Courage, armed as a Roman soldier, brandishes a club over the fallen figures of Britain and Neptune, who stumble off the lower right corner. The figure of Prudence stands at Franklin's side. Minerva, armed and wielding a spear, flies above the group; Agriculture and Commerce watch from the lower left corner. <BR><BR> Franklin had agreed to sit for the portrait, but attempted to convince the artist to substitute for his image that of a figure representing the Congress, dressed as a Roman senator. Borel also asked for a copy of the Seal of the United States, to be placed as a central motif below the image, in the dedication. Franklin sent him two pieces of currency; Borel copied from the eight dollar continental the image of a harp surrounded by the chain of states, and the motto "Majora minoribus consonat" (The larger is in harmony with the smaller).<br><br> The following is a letter that Benjamin Franklin wrote to Borel addressing his dislike for the print because of Borel’s use of his likeness as a representation of America. In France at the time Franklin was quite literally the face of America due to his celebrity status in promoting the American cause.<br><br> Passy, June 24. 1778<br><br> Sir On reading again the Prospectus and Explanation of your Intended Print, I find the whole Merit of giving Freedom to America, continues to be ascrib’d to me, which, as I told you in our first Conversation, I could by no means approve of, as it would be unjust to the Numbers of wise and brave Men who by their Arms and Counsels have shared in the Enterprize and contributed to its Success, (as far as it has yet succeeded) at the Hazard of their Lives and Fortunes. My Proposition to you was, and continues to be, that instead of naming me in particular, in the Explanation of the Print, it should be said, The Congress, represented by a Senator in Roman Dress, &c. As it stands, I cannot consent to accept the Honour you propose to do me by dedicating the Print to me, which I understand is in this Country considered, as an Approbation. And in my own Country, it would hurt my Character and Usefulness if I were to give the least Countenance to such a Pretention, by recommending or promoting the Sale of a Print so explain’d. Upon these Considerations I must request that if you are determin’d to proceed in the Engraving, you would in a new Prospectus change the Explanation, as above propos’d; and dedicate the Print not to me but to the Congress. I have the Honour to be Sir, &c.<br><br>
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Very good condition.
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