Artwork
Portrait Miniature of the Marquis de Lafayette
Portrait Miniature of the Marquis de Lafayette is an ivory painting. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This miniature portrait depicts the Marquis de Lafayette, a prominent French figure in the American Revolution.
- Accession no.
- 83.2.324
- Credit line
- Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883
About this work
A profile portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman who became a hero of the American Revolution. Painted on ivory in 1829, it likely honored his role in the war.
Subject & Meaning
Created in 1829 by an anonymous artist, this ivory miniature portrays Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette.
Created in 1829 by an anonymous artist, this ivory miniature portrays Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette. The work functions as a profile portrait, a specific iconographic choice that presents the French aristocrat and American Revolutionary War hero in strict side view. By isolating Lafayette's silhouette against the ivory ground, the artist emphasizes the distinct contours of his face and military bearing without the distraction of a detailed background or frontal engagement.
As a portrait genre piece held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the object serves as a commemorative representation of Lafayette, capturing the likeness of a key transatlantic figure during the later years of his life. The depiction focuses solely on the man himself, utilizing the profile format to convey a sense of classical dignity and historical permanence associated with his status.
History & Provenance
The Portrait Miniature of the Marquis de Lafayette was produced in 1829 and is classified within The American Wing. The work is attributed to an unknown artist, with no documented commission or patron identified in the available records. Its current location is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is held in the institution's collection as a portrait miniature executed on ivory.
No intermediate ownership history, prior collectors, or chain of custody preceding the museum's acquisition is documented in the available sources.
Legacy
The Portrait Miniature of the Marquis de Lafayette, painted on ivory in 1829 by an anonymous artist, entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and is now part of The American Wing. Its display alongside other early American works reinforces the visual legacy of Lafayette as a central figure in the nation's founding narrative. As a rare surviving miniature portrait of the French hero, the piece contributes to ongoing scholarly and public interest in Lafayette's image.
The work's provenance, medium, and attribution to an unidentified master reflect the broader tradition of commemorative portraiture in the early nineteenth century.
Overview
This miniature portrait depicts the Marquis de Lafayette, a prominent French figure in the American Revolution. Rendered in profile on ivory, the artwork is part of the American Wing collection, reflecting its historical significance within the context of early American art. It captures a likeness of a key historical personality, likely commemorating his service and impact during a pivotal period.
Technique & Style
This artwork is a miniature, a small-scale portrait format popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Executed on ivory, a common support for such delicate works, the artist has captured Lafayette in a distinct profile view. This particular presentation emphasizes his classical features and offers a formal yet intimate depiction, characteristic of portraiture intended for personal admiration or commemorative display.
Artist & collection
