Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2004.55.4 |
Collection |
American Art |
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Title |
Benjamin Franklin Butler |
Artist |
Franklin Simmons |
Date |
1865 |
Year Range from |
1865 |
Signed Name |
[scratched] Butler [and] B.F. Butler |
Signature Location |
on back of tray |
Description |
Large medallion with relief of Benjamin Franklin Butler profile in wooden frame. Stamped on bottom of truncated neck: "WM. MILLER & CO./METALLISTS/PROVIDENCE. R.I./F. SIMMONS SCULP." Stamped on lower left of sitter's neck: "PATENT/APPLIED FOR" |
Medium |
copper alloy, bronze, wood |
Dimensions |
Dia-28 inches |
Notes |
William Miller, owner of the William H. Miller & Sons foundry in Providence, Rhode Island, commissioned Franklin Simmons to produce a series of medallion portraits representing Abraham Lincoln, his cabinet, and the most illustrious generals and admirals of the Union. Called the "National Bronze Picture Gallery," the set consisted of at least 31 profile portraits in bronze. By early 1865, Simmons was in Washington, D.C. making live studies of his subjects. By the end of the year, the medallions had been exhibited in several northern cities including New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia, where the medallions were displayed at the "Great Fair in Honor of the Soldiers and Sailors Home" held at the Academy of Music between October 23 and November 4, 1865. The medallions look like enlarged ancient Roman coins or Italian Renaissance medals. The unusual color contrast between the golden bronze heads and the deep reddish hue of the copper platter, which was probably allowed to oxidize to a darker color prior to being lacquered, makes them also resemble cameo portraits. This medallion was restored to its original 1865 appearance. References: Whiteman 1978, p. 116. |
Provenance |
Mentioned in the League's Third Annual Report, thanking "the gentlemen who placed upon our walls the gallery of medallions in bronze, representing our most distinguished statesmen and soldiers." |
Legal Status |
Owned by the Union League of Philadelphia |