Figurehead: Benjamin Franklin 1937

Lawrence Flynn created this trompe-l'oeil figurehead of Benjamin Franklin using graphite and watercolor. The illusion of depth and texture is immediately striking, achieved through precise shading and the imitation of carved wood grain. The interplay of light and shadow across Franklin's face and attire evokes a tangible, tactile quality, inviting a sense of touch. Flynn’s rendering prompts us to consider the structural elements that define both the art and the historical figure. Franklin, presented here as a rough-hewn sculpture, contrasts with his polished image as a statesman and intellectual. The lines etched into the "wood" suggest not perfection, but rather a process of construction and perhaps even deconstruction. Consider how the formal qualities of the artwork challenge fixed notions, compelling us to explore deeper cultural and philosophical discourses around representation, identity, and legacy. This is not just a portrait, but an active engagement with how we construct and perceive history.