Alonzo CHAPPEL, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), 1861
oil on canvas, 88 x 52 in.
Life-sized, standing Ben Franklin in his 70's, interior scene with table and chair and papers lying on the floor, Philadelphia, PA.
M 345
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Listed as ID# M 346 in 1955 inventory
National Portrait Gallery CAP Survey PA 22 0090
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Provenance:
As per Chappel exhibition catalogue, Brandywine River Museum 1995, pg 69: In 1944 Cecilia Haggerty of Brooklyn owned it (Herman H. Diers, Alonzo Chappel File, National Museum of American Art, Washington DC & Frick reference library NYC). Before entering Lafayette's collection, was at Vose Gallery, Boston. It may have been the Franklin portrait exhibited by Chappel at the Brooklyn Art Association in 1864 - see Clark S. Marlor A History of the Brooklyn Art Association with an Index of Exhibitions, New York: James F. Carr, 1970. p.148.
Information from Vose Gallery Postcard:
This important portriat remained in private hands for almost 100 years. It was recently discovered and purchased by the Vose Galleries of Boston. In this 250th anniversary year of Franklin's birth this painting is available for purchse.
-Vose Galleries of Boston, 55a Boylston Street, Boston MA
From Robert D. Schwarz Fine Paintings: multiple portraits of Franklin were done by Chappel. Most of these were made to be source material for prints for publication. It is unknown if this particular pieces was made for this purpose and if reproductions were made.
Source Institute: Marquis Foundation
Credit Line: Lafayette College Art Collection, Easton, PA; Gift of the Marquis Foundation