Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia

Date1763

After work by Mason Chamberlin (died 1787)

Engraver Edward Fisher (1722 - 1782)

Maker M. Chamberlin

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint with engraving on laid paper

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-154

DescriptionLower margin reads: "M. Chamberlin pinx.t/ E. Fisher fecit./ B: Franklin of Philadelphia L.L.D. F.R.S./ Sold by M,, chamberlin in Stewart Street, Old Artillery Ground, Spitalfields, Price 5:.s"
Label TextThis portrait of statesmen and inventor Benjamin Franklin is based on a painting by painted by Mason Chamberlin while he was in London. Franklin sits at a desk with equipment for his electrical experiment to his left. Outside the window, lightening has damaged a building. Franklin created the lightening rod in the early 1750s.