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Benjamin Franklin Statue

<< Back to Trocadero -Paris

Details:

In the center of the Park Statue


A bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin on a stone pedestal.  The pedestal is inlaid with 2 bronze tablets.  The statue was a gift to the city of Paris from John H. Harges in honor of the 200th birthday of Benjamin Franklin.  Franklin lived near this spot from 777 to 1785. He lived in a little pavilion at the Valentois mansion, which no longer exists, at what is now 66 Rue Raynouard.  Here he set up the first lightening rod. 

Monument Text:

Front text:

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

1706 - 1790

_________

 

...CE GENIE QUI AFFRANCHIT

L'AMERIQUE ET VERSA SUR

L'EUROPE DES TORRENTS DE

LUMIERE LE SAGE QUE

DEUX MONDES RECLAMENT...

                             (MIRABEAU 14 JUIN 1790)

 

 

English Translation:

The man whose genius raised America's standards,

whose wisdom spilled over to Europe,

the man two worlds claim as their own.

(Mirabeau June 14, 1790)

 

 

Right side text explaining bronze engraving:

 

RECEPTION DE FRANKLIN

A LA COUR - 1778

 

English translation:

Reception of Franklin

At Court - 1778

 

 

Back text:

OFFERT

A LA

VILLE DE PARIS

PAR

JOHN H. HARJES

1906

 

English translation:

 

FREE

TO THE

CITY OF PARIS

THROUGH

JOHN H. HARJES

1906

 

 

Left side text explaining bronze engraving:

 

SIGNATURE DU TRAITE

DE PARIS - 1783

 

English translation:

Signature of the Treaty of

Paris - 1783

Commemorates:

People:

Benjamin Franklin

Wars:

American Revolutionary War

Other images :