Franklin was a naval officer and Arctic explorer who went on several historic voyages. His first Arctic exploration was in 1818 but the journey was thwarted due to pack ice and his party was forced to return after six months. In 1819 Franklin led an expedition to chart the north coast of Canada. During the three-year exploration eleven of the twenty-two crew-members lost their lives. D’Angers modeled the bronze medallion that this plaster is cast from in 1829, when Franklin was knighted by George IV. After a spell as Lieutenant-Governor of modern day Tasmania, Franklin returned to Britain and, in 1845, set off on his fatal voyage. The aim was to explore the North West Passage but it is believed the boats got trapped in ice off Beechey Island resulting in the entire crew perishing.
David d'Angers (French, 1798 - 1856)
French sculptor David d’Angers had an extremely prolific career. Born in Angers, he moved to Paris when he was twenty to study art at Ecole des Beaux Art. In 1811 he was awarded a travel scholarship to study antiques in Rome. He spent five years there and was heavily inspired by neo-classical trends and the work of Antonio Canova. D’Angers then returned to Paris and quickly established himself as a leading sculptor. Throughout his career he produced more than fifty full-size statues, 150 busts and 500 portrait medallions, many of which depicted the most eminent figures of contemporary European society.
David d'Angers (French, 1798 - 1856)
French sculptor David d’Angers had an extremely prolific career. Born in Angers, he moved to Paris when he was twenty to study art at Ecole des Beaux Art. In 1811 he was awarded a travel scholarship to study antiques in Rome. He spent five years there and was heavily inspired by neo-classical trends and the work of Antonio Canova. D’Angers then returned to Paris and quickly established himself as a leading sculptor. Throughout his career he produced more than fifty full-size statues, 150 busts and 500 portrait medallions, many of which depicted the most eminent figures of contemporary European society.
