Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, 1938

Philadelphia, PA

Marble; 20' high. Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA.

The sculptor, James Earle Fraser (1876 – 1953), describes his work:

I have conceived of Franklin as a massive figure, tranquil in body, with latent power in his hands, but with an inquisitive expression in the movement of his head and with the alertness of his eyes, ready to turn the full force of his keen mind on any problem that concerned life. I chose to depict him in the fullness of his life, wise with experience, but still strong in his curiosity in the future.

Lafayette’s years in America had given him the most glorious career it was possible for a youth of his disposition to imagine. He had fought for a noble cause, and won the love of a nation. George Washington sent him admiring and heart-sore letters after the marquis returned to France; the state of Virginia presented a bust of him to the city of Paris; the island of Nantucket sent him a 500-pound cheese. Lafayette cherished the love he had earned overseas, and never let the French forget it. When his first two children were born, he named the boy George Washington and the girl Virginia. At his Paris household, his family spoke English, and his messenger was dressed as an American Indian.

— Richard Brookhiser

Gentleman Revolutionary: Gouverneur Morris, the Rake Who Wrote the Constitution (2003)