Portrait of Benjamin Franklin performing his famous experiment of June 1752 in which he attached a key to a kite and flew it in a thunderstorm in order to prove that lightning was electricity. Almost allegorical in presentation, Franklin is shown seated on clouds with cherub-like figures assisting him on the right in the backgroun, his red cape blowing in the wind against a stormy sky
Description:
Date and title taken from impression at the Philadelphia Museum of Art., Based on the Benjamiin West oil painting now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art., and Embossed letters at lower left corner: Cercle Librairie estampes encircling initials RTN.
