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Estimate Range: $10,000 - $12,000
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One of the Rarest of Benjamin Franklin Portraits, Stauffer's First State of Three, published by Edward Savage in 1793

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Mezzotint of “Benjamin Franklin, LLD, FRS.” After the painting by David Martin, a Very Fine impression, published by Edward Savage (1761-1817). One of the rarest of Franklin portraits. “D. Martin pinxit. / E. Savage sculp't” / “London, Published Sept'r 17, 1793, by E. Savage, No. 50 Hatton Garden.”, Framed, Choice Very Fine.

Mezzotint Engraving, Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. - F.R.S., after 1767 painting by David Martin (Scottish, 1737-98), published by Edward Savage, London, published Sept. 17. 1793. Hatton Garden, (Stauffer 2745), originally published as a companion to Savage's mezzotint of George Washington, this trimmed copy having its full image and text measuring 14” x 20” with a surrounding white background, impressively framed to fully 20.25” x 26”. The presentation is displayed within an ornate period style gold-gilt and black painted wood frame, the print seen through special protective and archival UV Plexiglas.

This highly attractive 1793 printed mezzotint by Edward Savage has rich tonality and a crisp sharpness providing excellent eye appeaal. A important opportunity, as quoted from a Christie’s description, “One of the rarest of Franklin portraits.”

This classic rendering is of a ponderous Benjamin Franklin seated at a table, wearing his signature bifocals, apparently reading over his many writings being held in his left hand. It displays well with even gray tones add to the beauty of this print. A splendid portrait for display.

This current example is similar to one previously owned and sold by Ambassador and Mrs. J. William Middendorf II at Sotheby Parke-Bernet, New York, 18 May 1973, lot 120 and years later at Sotheby's, New York, 30, 31 January - 1 February, 1986, lot 6, then later being offered and sold by Christie’s New York, Auction 2876, September 22, 2014, Estimated to bring $8,000 to $12,000 with sales a Price Realized at $8,750. Early American History Auctions sold the Ambassador Middendorf example December 14, 2024 Lot 84 graded Very Fine which sold for $13,750. Our current consignor shipped this very lovely example upon review of our prior sale result.
Keywords: Benjamin Franklin, Mezzotint, Engraving, David Martin, George Washington, Savage, Edward Savage, Ambassador J. William Middendorf II
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Estimate Range: $10,000 - $12,000
Early American History Auctions, Inc.
1520 Commerce St., # 312 • Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 858 • 759 • 3290
Email: Auctions@EarlyAmerican.com