Historian Lucy Worsley’s recent two-part documentary on the American Revolution highlights the evolving image and role of Benjamin Franklin during this pivotal era. The series juxtaposes two contrasting portraits of Franklin that symbolize his transformation amid the revolutionary climate.

The first portrait, painted in London, depicts Franklin in traditional wig and formal attire, reflecting the refined style expected at the British court. This image corresponds with the early stage of his diplomatic career when he was still engaging with the British establishment.

In contrast, the second portrait features Franklin dressed more informally in Paris, a representation that underscores his role as an emissary of the American revolutionary cause to King Louis XVI and the French court. Worsley notes that in this later phase, Franklin shed the trappings of aristocratic society, instead embracing a deliberate image of "rough, raw, American simplicity." This shift was strategic, projecting the identity of a new nation breaking from monarchical tradition and seeking support abroad.

Worsley’s depiction captures how Franklin used his personal appearance to embody the fledgling United States’ democratic and revolutionary ideals. The contrast in attire highlights the broader cultural and political rupture between the American colonies and the British crown during the revolution.

By focusing on Franklin’s public persona as conveyed through these portraits, the documentary provides insight into the symbolic dimensions of diplomacy and identity during the founding of the United States. The transformation from a courtly figure to a representation of republican simplicity illustrates the challenges and artistry involved in advocating for independence on the international stage.