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Benjamin Franklin: High-Relief Terracotta Medallion by Jean-Baptiste Nini....
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Sold on Jun 11, 2022 for:
$1,000.00
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Description
Benjamin Franklin: High-Relief Terracotta Medallion by Jean-Baptiste Nini. This superb fired-clay 4.5" (115mm) medallion produced in France features a bust of Benjamin Franklin wearing a fur cap on the obverse with the inscription "B. Franklin Americain." At the base of Franklin's bust appears the artist's name, "Nini," the letter "F," and the date "1777," along with what is presumably Nini's crest of arms. Another "1777" date is present immediately beneath the bust. There is a small hole in the rim at the top of the medallion extending to the upper reverse, as originally made, that once held a suspension cord that is no longer present. The piece has several minor chips along the edges of the obverse and the concentric circles forming the frame around Franklin's bust. The most noticeable chips are at six o'clock on the rim below the bust and toward the top rim at twelve o'clock. A few dark areas can be seen throughout, but the majority of the terracotta has worn nicely, with a uniform, smooth dark patina to the raised surfaces of the bust. The reverse is chipped near three o'clock, and two accretions are toward the top, possibly old paper adhesives, accompanied by two circular areas with a lighter finish. Some dark marks similar to ink can be seen scattered throughout the back. Jean-Baptiste Nini (1717-1786) was a French artist and medalist active in the mid to late 1700s. It is widely believed that several hundred of Nini's Benjamin Franklin terracotta medallions (in various designs) were shipped to America in 1779, but the ship was wrecked off the coast of France. Some of the cases containing the medallions were recovered but lay forgotten in a warehouse until they were finally acquired by a collector who began marketing them in 1876. In overall great condition.Auction Info
2022 June 11 - 12 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6254 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2022
11th-12th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 10
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 504
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25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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