The artwork titled “Ben Franklin’s Sesquicentennial” was created by the esteemed artist Norman Rockwell in the year 1926. It is an oil painting on canvas representing the portrait genre and embodies the Regionalism art movement. The work measures 71 by 96.5 centimeters and presently resides within a private collection.
The artwork offers a vivid portrayal of the distinguished historical figure Benjamin Franklin in a setting that underscores his intellectual achievements. Franklin is depicted seated at a desk, quill pen in hand, seemingly in the midst of composition. The setting includes elements of writing such as paper and an inkwell, hinting at his work as a writer and statesman. The artwork is imbued with a sense of Americana, typical of Rockwell’s style, which elevates everyday scenes and national figures to iconic status. The illusion of depth and texture is achieved through skilled brushstrokes, and a warm color palette enhances the historic resonance of the subject matter. The background features a glowing round emblem, perhaps alluding to the Seal of the United States or some other symbol of American republicanism, containing a radiant spread-winged eagle perched atop a shield, further cementing the tone of national pride and heritage. The presence of whimsical elements, such as the eagle and the ornamental design around the emblem, adds a layer of idealism and mythologizing to the representation of Franklin, which is consistent with Rockwell’s idyllic and often nostalgic outlook on American life and history.
