Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky
Benjamin West · 1816
Why it's great
Benjamin Franklin raises a hand to catch lightning from the sky, while cherubs bring electricity into the room. Benjamin West painted it around 1816 to show Franklin's famous experiment of 1752, which proved lightning is electricity.
🏛️ Part of history
The Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment (1600–1789) — Benjamin Franklin raises a hand to catch lightning from the sky, while cherubs bring electricity into the room.
Where to see it
📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.
Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Benjamin West was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and moved to Europe in his twenties. He settled in London, where he became the history painter to King George III and later President of the Royal Academy. He taught many American painters. He died in London in 1820.
