Ralph Wood, Jr.
Figure of Benjamin Franklin

CultureEnglish
Titles
  • Figure of Benjamin Franklin
Datec. 1782–1795
Made inBurslem, England
MediumLead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) with overglaze enamel
Dimensions13 1/4 × 5 × 5 in. (33.7 × 12.7 × 12.7 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.56.6
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Federal Parlor
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

Ralph Wood, Jr. modeled this figure of Benjamin Franklin for the American market. By 1782, he established himself as a master potter in Burslem in the heart of the Staffordshire potteries and potted independently until his death in 1795. He made both enamel-painted and color-glazed figures. Many of his figures stand on distinctive square bases and are usually impressed with his maker’s mark. The pottery made a broad range of busts, including Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton, Isaac Newton, Alexander Pope, and George Frideric Handel (B.69.70).

The pose of this figure possibly suggests Benjamin Franklin drawing electricity from the sky. The medal around his neck may be the Royal Society of London’s Copley Medal, which was awarded to him in 1753 "on account of his curious Experiments and Observations on Electricity."


Provenance[Ginsburg & Levy, New York]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, April 24, 1956; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Exhibition History
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Marked on front: Dr. Franklin
Marked on back: 43

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Hind and Stag
Ralph Wood, Jr.
c. 1790
Lead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) with overglaze enamel
B.56.21.1,.2
Bust of George Frideric Handel
Ralph Wood, Jr.
c. 1782–1795
Lead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) with overglaze enamel
B.69.70
Bust of George Washington
Ralph Wood, Jr.
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Sugar Bowl
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Tea Bowl
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c. 1800–1846
Lead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) witth overglaze enamel
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Recto
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c. 1800–1846
Lead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) witth overglaze enamel
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Dinner Plate
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late 18th century
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scan from file photograph
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scan from file photograph
c. 1780–1790
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