Cameo with Portrait of Benjamin Franklin c. late 18th century

This is a small cameo with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, created by the Wedgwood Manufactory. Though undated, its creation would have been shaped by the late 18th century's revolutionary fervor and its fascination with images of political and intellectual leaders. The cameo, with Franklin's profile rendered in white against a blue ground, speaks to the power of portraiture in shaping public perception. As a printer, writer, inventor, and statesman, Franklin cultivated a public image of Enlightenment values and civic virtue. The intimate scale of the cameo suggests a personal connection. Who wore this? What did Franklin mean to them? Ultimately, this cameo serves as a reminder of how carefully constructed images can influence our understanding of historical figures. It invites us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and the roles individuals play in shaping their own legacies.