File:Bust of Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia Museum of Art.jpg

English: Bust of Benjamin Franklin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Description from the museum reads: "Bust of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) 1779. Jean-Antoine Houdon. French, 1741-1828. Marble. While minister from the American colonies to France from 1776 to 1785, Benjamin Franklin was a popular celebrity. The rage for his likeness resulted in images ranging from marble busts and paintings to prints and miniatures. This bust was created by Jean-Antoine Houdon, the leading portrait sculptor of the 1700s. Houdon's accomplishment is remarkable in that Franklin did not sit for the sculptor - the men did not meet formally until 1783. Presumably Houdon drew upon his experience of seeing Franklin at events such as meetings of the Masonic lodge to which they both belonged. Houdon exhibited a terracotta version of the bust in the French Royal Academy Salon exhibition of 1779. Like other sculptors, Houdon sent works to the Salon to attract orders for reproductions in various materials. Using molds, Houdon could produce copies in plaster and terracotta to which he added distinctive touches. A German prince and Thomas Jefferson purchased plaster versions and Franklin was given four by Houdon. 125th Anniversary Acquisition. Purchased with a generous grant from The Barra Foundation, Inc., matched by contributions from the Henry P. McIlhenny Fund in memory of Frances P. McIlhenny, the Walter E. Stait Fund, the Fiske Kimball Fund, and with funds contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. Friedland, Hannah L. and J. Welles Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. E. Newbold Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Rubenstein, Mr. and Mrs. John J. F. Sherrerd, The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest, Leslie A. Miller and Richard B. Worley, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Nyhelm, Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Fox, Stephanie S. Eglin, an anonymous donor, and Mr. and Mrs. William T. Vogt, and with contributions from individual donors to the Fund for Franklin, 1996-162-1."