Category Archives: SLAM

Benjamin Franklin

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Benjamin Franklin, after Jean Antoine Houdon, designed 1778

From 1776 to 1785, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) served as minister to France, representing the newly independent United States. To secure much-needed assistance from the French, Franklin framed the Revolution as a fight for shared values of liberty and independence. Jean-Antoine Houdon, a leading portrait sculptor in Paris, suggested Franklin’s personality through his facial expression, which evokes the statesman’s lively intellect, his benevolent warmth, and even a sparkle of sly wit. Houdon first sculpted Franklin in clay and then made many copies in plaster. This bust was likely first owned by a German prince who refused to send troops to fight for the British in North America.

Vest

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Vest, possibly Tsistsistas / Suhtai (Cheyenne), c. 1880-1900

Tanned hide with glass beads Rows of red, white, and blue beads forms US flags on the back of this vest. Flags became particularly widespread motifs in Plains art in the late 19th century, when the US sought to ban Indigenous religious observances, including the Sun Dance. State-sanctioned Fourth of July celebrations occurred during Sun Dance season, providing Native peoples opportunities to gather communally and maintain some aspects of this worship. Here, crossed poles form a four-direction symbol and evoke Plains cosmologies. The flag holds a wide range of associations within Native nations. For some individuals, the flag may symbolize oppression; for others, it embodies patriotism, especially for Native American soldiers, who have fought for the US military in every war since 1776.

Bugatti

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Bugatti

A study in sweeping lines and fluid Art Deco ornamentation, this unique Bugatti was constructed by Carrosserie Vanvooren of Paris. From 1911 until the start of World War II, the automobiles of Ettore Bugatti, an authoritative and artistic Italian who lived in France for most of his life, competed successfully in international racing. Bugatti’s cars were stylish, temperamental, exclusive, and fast. He experimented with aerodynamics and pioneered the use of lightweight metals like magnesium. This one-of-a-kind, supercharged Type S7C belonged to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last shah of Iran. When Pahlavi married Princess Fazia of Egypt, their nuptials were celebrated in Cairo. To flatter the future leader of a key oil-producing country, many nations sent lavish wedding presents, such as this luxurious car. Its windscreen can be lowered into the cowl for a sportier appearance.