Le Général Lafayette [engraving]

Le Général Lafayette [engraving]

Lafayette's dream on the deck of the Brandywine

1825

1 aquatint print ; image 42 x 55 cm. on sheet 48 x 60 cm.

P&E L1991.1.112ff

General Lafayette is sitting on the deck of the Brandywine with dark clouds above breaking so a shaft of light falls on him. In the white clouds to the right are figures of the American Revolution, headed by Washington who holds his right hand outstretched in conversation with Jefferson and Franklin who stand next to him. In the next row of patriots stands Adams with others. Two American flags are carried by the multitude in the rear. In the dark clouds to the left are a group of godlike spirits or genii in Roman dress, lead by two white haired, bearded men waving pitch forks driving away angry dark figures blowing smoke.
This copy is without letters, and the artist and engravers names have been added below the print on the left and right. In the copy at the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, bears the printed title "Le General Lafayette" with the names of the names of the artist and engraver. Below the title is the statement: "The spirits of the defenders of the American liberty are visiting him during his passage, the genii protectors of America drive away the storms." It is printed in French on the left, and English on the right.
This allegorical engraving commemorates Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1824-1825 and reflects the hope, expressed by Daniel Webster in his address at Bunker Hill, that Lafayette would serve as the "electric spark of liberty between the New World and the Old"
Digitized image available, see URL.

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