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Bust of Benjamin Franklin

Bust of Benjamin Franklin

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After the original bust by

Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828)

Appraisal by Kenneth Jay Linsner

This piece was tested to see if it was one of only a few late 18th century copies of the original sculpture, which was created by the French artist Houdon, known to exist. The plaster was subjected to analysis and the composition indicated a 19th century, rather than an 18th century date. The difference would determine a $20,000 example versus a $200,000 example.

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