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Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State
Figure Group - Louis XVI and Benjamin Franklin Bisque porcelain Niderviller factory (active 1754-1827) Niderviller, France ca. 1780-
This beautiful porcelain sculpture was made in the Niderviller factory in France to commemorate the signing of two treaties (The Treaty of Alliance and The Treaty of Amity and Commerce) between France and the fledgling United States. The power and majesty of France is represented by the elegant figure of Louis XVI dressed in courtly attire. America is represented by Franklin, plainly clothed and gesturing humbly to the king. The sculpture gives tribute to one of the turning points in the American struggle for independence and illustrates the important alliance between the two nations.
Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State
Writing Table (Treaty of Paris Desk) England, ca. 1780
It was on this desk that the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 – ending the American Revolutionary War. The desk was in the Paris apartments of the British Commissioner, David Hartley, who was negotiating on behalf of England. On the morning of September 3, 1783, Mr. Hartley invited the American negotiators, John Jay, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, to come to his apartments and sign the Treaty of Paris, establishing American independence.
Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State
Portrait of Benjamin Franklin Jean-Baptiste Greuze France, 1777
This oil pastel was commissioned soon after Benjamin Franklin arrived in France in
- Franklin was well known in Europe as a philosopher and scientist, and became a beloved American figure and diplomat in France. The French were charmed by Franklin’s natural, “rustic” ways, and he sat for dozens of portraits to ensure that this image was spread widely. Franklin’s diplomacy was instrumental in securing France’s vital participation in negotiating American Independence from Great Britain. He is still honored today as the Father of American diplomacy.
Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State
Hong Bowl China, ca. 1780
In 1784, after just becoming a nation, the U.S. sent its first trade mission to China. With the new possibility of trade, souvenirs commemorating this event were created and focused on the bustling port of Canton (Guangzhou) and the many hongs (the offices, warehouses, and living spaces for foreign merchants) that lined the trade routes. These souvenirs were known as “hong bowls”.
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