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Oil on canvas; 35 7/8 x 28 1/2 inches (91.1 x 72.4 cm). Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA.
Painted while Franklin served as the U.S. Commissioner in France, arguing the American cause. In front of him is a map labeled Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin, 1778/79
The Continental soldier often had to provide his own eating utensils, but on occasion they came as standard issue. Maryland troops, for example, were provided a wooden trencher (plate), and bowl, as well as wooden and pewter spoons. Each man would have his knife, of course; and for quaffing his rum, cider, beer, or whiskey, a horn cup, which was extremely light compared with pewter or ceramic. Officers, as might be expected, had more refined utensils. George Washington’s mess kit, for example, was a very elaborate affair housed in a handsome fourteen-compartment wood chest lined with green wool.
Patriot Battles: How the War of Independence Was Fought (2007)