Avatar: Thomas Richard Cave
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Franklin's Reception at Court, 1778
Benjamin Franklin's reception at the court of France, 1778. Respectfully dedicated to the people of the United States." Print shows Benjamin Franklin receiving a laurel wreath upon his head. From left to right, some of the members of the French court include: Duchesse Jules de Polignac, Princesse Lamballe (holding flowers), Diane de Polignac (holding wreath), Comte de Vergennes, Mme Campan, Contesse de Neuilly, Marie-Antoinette (seated), Louis XVI, Princess Elizabeth. Hand-coloured lithograph.
Engraving from 1860s, probably based on an earlier one.
Engraving from 1860s, probably based on an earlier one.
Stunning! Thanks for sharing.
While the American Revolution was going on, Franklin was sent to gain French support. The laurel wreath probably celebrates him being embraced by the French court. I read on the pbs.org website that it seemed odd at the time for him to be so friendly with the nobility since Franklin was a champion of the 'common people' so to speak. A true politician, Franklin knew he needed French support for the American Revolution. Franklin achieved this and America received the support it needed since France and England were such mortal enemies. Franklin also managed to negotiate the Treaty of Amity (1778) for open and friendly commerce as well as the Treaty of Alliance (also 1778) to ensure French support, both military and financial, of the American Revolution. Being invited to the inner circle at Versailles, Franklin must have truly been a charismatic man along with gaining the support for the (almost) United States. Great picture and thank for sharing