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.

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.

— Michael Stephenson

Patriot Battles: How the War of Independence Was Fought (2007)