Joseph Siffred Duplessis: The Vauclusian in American History
Well, well, well! On the occasion of the American election—which I hear is like an episode of a reality show where the contestants are highly devious yet charming—we stumble upon the delightful story of a man from Vaucluse. That’s right; we’re not just talking about any random painter who fancied himself the next Michelangelo. No, we’re talking about Joseph Siffred Duplessis, who was born in the quaint town of Carpentras in 1725. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? His work now adorns none other than the Oval Office! And no, I don’t mean with a lovely wallpaper pattern but proper portraits!
A Historic Franco-American Meeting
Now gather ‘round, because this tale kicks off in Paris during that little spat called the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin, that suave founding father who basically invented the American spirit (and bifocals), was in France trying to make friends and influence people to support the American cause. Picture it: Franklin, a man with a mind sharper than his famous kites, steeped in the Parisian café scene, and in walks Duplessis. “Oi mate, I need a portrait!” And lo and behold, a beautiful friendship is formed through the art of flattery—quite literally! Duplessis went on to create a portrait of Franklin in 1785, which became as iconic as Franklin himself—now that’s an achievement!
Fast forward to 2021: President Biden thought, “What does the Oval Office need?” and decided that an image of Franklin painted by our boy Duplessis wouldn’t hurt. I mean, why not show a little love for Franco-American friendship during an election? Nothing says “We’re all in this together” like a centuries-old portrait hanging behind the most powerful desk in the world.
Duplessis on 100 Dollar Bills
Ah, but the story doesn’t end there! Oh no, it gets even juicier. Duplessis’ portrait of good ol’ Benjamin Franklin isn’t just stuck in the Oval Office; it’s also printing money—literally! Yes, folks, that rugged, wise face you see on the 100 dollar bill is courtesy of none other than Duplessis. Talk about making a lasting impression! Now, every time you peel a bill off the wallet, you’re essentially looking at Vaucluse art made good. It seems clear that Duplessis had a knack for not only getting his art across the ocean but also getting it into the hands of every American. Forget about exports like fine wine; for the 18th century, this is top-tier stuff!
To wrap it all up with a cheeky bow, if you ever find yourself in America, and you come across a Franklin on the hundred dollar bill, just remember: that charming face was born from the strokes of a Vauclusian painter who dodged the tumult of his own time to become immortalized in a new world. Now, what’s more impressive—being painted or the fact that you’re now a walking billboard for a painter? That’s history for you, folks!
Joseph Siffred Duplessis: the Vauclusian in American history
On the occasion of the American election, we discover the incredible story of a Vauclusian whose work adorns the famous Oval Office. Joseph Siffred Duplessis, born in 1725 in Carpentras, is a recognized artist of the 18th century, especially famous for his portraits. Among his flagship works is the portrait of Benjamin Franklin, a painting that has linked France and the United States for centuries.
A historic Franco-American meeting
The story begins in Paris where Benjamin Franklin resides during the American Revolution to gain support from France. Fascinated by Duplessis’ talent, Franklin commissioned his portrait. This painting, completed in 1785, became iconic and remains today one of the most famous depictions of the American founding father. In 2021, Joe Biden even chose this portrait to decorate his office, a lasting tribute to Franco-American friendship.
Duplessis on 100 dollar bills
Duplessis’ portrait of Franklin is not only a work of art; it also appears on 100 American dollar bills! Indeed, the effigy of Franklin on these banknotes comes directly from the painting by Duplessis, showing that already in the 18th century, Vaucluse art was exported to the top of the state across the Atlantic.
Ed cobblestones in Carpentras before making waves in Paris. Today, we have with us art historian Dr. Elise Thierry to dive deeper into the life and legacy of Joseph Siffred Duplessis. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thierry!
**Interviewer:** Let’s start from the beginning. Who was Joseph Siffred Duplessis, and what set him apart from his contemporaries?
**Dr. Thierry:** Thank you for having me! Joseph Siffred Duplessis was a notable portrait painter born in 1725 in Carpentras, France. He had a unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects, which made him highly sought after by both French aristocrats and influential figures like Benjamin Franklin. His distinctive style blended classical techniques with a modern sensibility, setting him apart in a time when portrait painting was largely dominated by stiff and formal representations.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of Franklin, how did their friendship influence Duplessis’ work?
**Dr. Thierry:** Their relationship blossomed during Franklin’s time in France, where he was instrumental in garnering support for the American Revolution. Duplessis painted Franklin in 1785, and that portrait became a lasting icon of both the man and the era. Their connection wasn’t just personal; it symbolized the growing Franco-American alliance. Franklin’s charisma certainly inspired Duplessis, and he sought to portray not just Franklin’s likeness, but his spirit as well.
**Interviewer:** And, of course, we can’t ignore the fact that Duplessis’ work graces the Oval Office and the $100 bill! How has his legacy endured in American culture?
**Dr. Thierry:** It’s remarkable! Duplessis’ portrait of Franklin serves as a bridge between their two cultures. The fact that President Biden chose to display it in the Oval Office underscores the ongoing significance of this Franco-American friendship. Furthermore, having Franklin’s image on the $100 bill magnifies Duplessis’ significance in American history as it integrates fine art into the country’s very economy. It’s a testament to the staying power of artists and their ability to shape national identity.
**Interviewer:** Unequivocally! Before we close, what do you think Duplessis would think of his impact today?
**Dr. Thierry:** I believe he would be both humbled and proud. He started as a painter in a quaint French town and ended up influencing how a nation perceives one of its most beloved founding figures. His artistry not only shaped how we see Franklin but also how we – as Americans and as a global community – value connections across cultures. It speaks to the power of art as a unifying force throughout history.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Thierry, thank you for shedding light on the intriguing story of Joseph Siffred Duplessis. His journey from Carpentras to the Oval Office is indeed a remarkable piece of art history.
**Dr. Thierry:** Thank you for having me! Let’s continue to celebrate the intersections of art and history in our lives.