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Title
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Benjamin Franklin Statue
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Description
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Carved from Carrara marble, the sculpture of Benjamin Franklin depicts him wearing a traditional Roman toga, holding books under his left arm, which once supported a now-missing scepter held downward. His right hand grasped an open book or scroll. Both elements symbolize Franklin's opposition to monarchy. A replica now occupies its position, with the original removed for preservation.
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Coordinates
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1314 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Location
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The Library Company of Philadelphia
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Note
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The statue was commissioned by William Bingham in the last year of Franklin's life. The statue originally sat above the library's main entrance before deterioration prompted its relocation inside for preservation in 1880. In 1940, it was later moved to a location where it is visible from the outside of the library, while still protected from the elements inside.
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Abstract
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Carved from Carrara marble, Francesco Lazzarini's 1792 statue of Benjamin Franklin depicts him in a Roman toga, holding symbols opposing monarchy. The original statue was relocated due to deterioration from its original position atop the Library Company of Philadelphia to its interior in 1880 and again in 1940.
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Creator
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Francesco Lazzarini|165
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Date
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1792
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Medium
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Carrara Marble
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Date Modified
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1880|1940
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Subject
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Benjamin Franklin
