Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
Wedgwood
Category
Art / Sculpture
Date
1800 - 1899
Materials
Jasperware
Measurements
20 mm (Depth); 105 mm (Diameter)
Place of origin
Etruria
Order this imageCollection
Osterley Park and House, London
NT 772582
Summary
Green jasper ware Wedgwood medallion depicting the marquis de Lafayette (Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, 1757-1834), in uniform, in profile facing to right. White rim with beaded border. In ebonised wooden frame with suspension ring. Stamped on reverse ‘WEDGWOOD’ AND ‘LAFAYETTE’.
Full description
The marquis de Lafayette first came to prominence when he fought on the revolutionary side in the American War of Independence. He was subsequently an important player in the early stages of the French Revolution, advocating a moderate path of reform. As the Revolution descended into murderous chaos he was forced to flee but was captured and spent five years in prison, before his release by Napoleon in 1797. The medallion is one of a small group of images of prominent individuals in the French Revolution, made in the Wedgwood factory from around 1790. Two portraits of Lafayette were produced by Wedgwood, one facing left and the other right. Both are first documented as in production by December 1791. The present image is based on a medallic portrait by Benjamin Duvivier which was completed early in 1790. (Jeremy Warren, 2017)
Provenance
Given to the National Trust in 1993 by George Child Villiers, 9th Earl of Jersey (1910-1998).
Credit line
National Trust Collections (Osterley Park, The Jersey Collection)
Marks and inscriptions
Reverse: LA FAYETTE Reverse: Wedgwood Reverse: AD 27 Reverse: Remains of a triangular paper label to the back.
Makers and roles
Wedgwood, ceramicist