Auctions@EarlyAmerican.com
Phone: 858-759-3290
Type in Your EMAIL Address
to Receive Notices
of Important Events

Auctions
• SATURDAY - MAR. 30th
• Terms of Sale
• Print Out a Bid Form
Links to Other Sites:
• Tortuga Trading
This Auction is Now OPEN for Bidding
Closing LIVE ONLINE: SATURDAY • March 30th • Starting at 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Absentee Bidding on a Specific Lot Will Remain OPEN
Until the LIVE BIDDING begins for that Specific Lot on SATURDAY • March 30th
Lot Number: 186
Sign-in to Bid or Register to Bid
Click for a Printable Page
Estimate Range: $4,500 - $6,500
Current Bidding Status
This Lot is CLOSED for Absentee Bidding.
Extremely Rare “Lafayette” Portrait Textile of a Design Not Listed in “Threads of History” Inscription Stating “he was at the laying of the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument”


Click an Image to Enlarge It
c. 1824 Historic Brown Printed Linen Textile Portrait of Marquis de Lafayette with “LAFAYETTE.” printed within a rectangular box at bottom, plus a contemporary Handwriten Inscription in the bottom margin that reads: “he was at the laying of the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument,” Framed, Extremely Fine.

This original Patriotic Historic Printed Linen is of an exceedingly rare design which is not listed or illustrated in the major reference “Threads of History” issued by the Smithsonian. There are other representations, yet we have not located any other example of this design to date.

This textile is complete and whole, having some modest folds, its full outer designs and margins intact as made. At center stands a large imposing image of a mature Lafayette, his figure alone measuring almost 18” tall, shown holding his Top hat and cane in his right hand, with his left hand in his coat pocket. Handwritten in matching brown ink within the bottom outer margin a contemporary inscription reads: “he was at the laying of corner stone of Bunker Hill monument”. A few trivial small light brown spots blend at the left central edge and a few smaller near right edge. This design is Not Listed in “Threads of History” which is highly unusual, due to its rarity. An impressive display piece measuring a large 22.25” x 18” archivally presented under special UV Plexiglas, housed in a vintage golden-brown wood frame to fully 27 x 22.25, ready to hang on display. Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824 and made a triumphal tour, receiving the adulation of a grateful nation. This event took place during that remarkable visit.

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was one of the earliest and most significant engagements of the American Revolutionary War. On June 17, 1825, being the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Marquis de Lafayette was present and laid the “Cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument”. By laying the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument, Lafayette paid homage to the sacrifices of those who fought and died for American freedom during the Revolutionary War. His presence also underscored the international solidarity and gratitude felt by the American people toward their French allies. Over the next eighteen years, the building of the Bunker Hill Monument progressed slowly. In 1843, construction finally finished, and noted Senator Daniel Webster dedicated the Monument.

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF

AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II


Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, a.k.a. Marquis de La Fayette, best known in the United States as “Lafayette,” was a French aristocrat, freemason, and military officer who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. It was during his return Tour of America visit in 1824 that he was invited and took part in this historic memorial event.

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was one of the earliest and most significant engagements of the American Revolutionary War. Although the battle was technically a British victory, the American forces demonstrated their ability to stand against British regulars, boosting morale and rallying support for the Patriot cause.

Lafayette was a young French nobleman who arrived in America in 1777 to join the Continental Army. He quickly earned the trust and admiration of General George Washington and became a key figure in the American Revolution. Lafayette's leadership, bravery, and commitment to the cause of Liberty endeared him to the American people.

Given Lafayette's status as a revered Hero of the American Revolution and his close association with General Washington and other founding figures, he was invited to participate in the Cornerstone-Laying Ceremony for the Bunker Hill Monument. This invitation symbolized the enduring bond between the United States and France and served as a tribute to Lafayette's contributions to American independence.

Lafayette's participation in the ceremony carried significant symbolism. By laying the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument, Lafayette paid homage to the sacrifices of those who fought and died for American freedom during the Revolutionary War. His presence also underscored the international solidarity and gratitude felt by the American people toward their French allies.

The laying of the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument by Lafayette remains a memorable moment in American history, commemorating the valor and resilience of the Patriots who defended liberty on that hallowed ground. The monument itself stands as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all who fought for American independence.

Overall, Lafayette's participation in laying the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument symbolized the enduring friendship between the United States and France and honored the legacy of those who fought for freedom during the American Revolutionary War.
Keywords:
Lot Number: 186
Sign-in to Bid or Register to Bid
Click for a Printable Page
Estimate Range: $4,500 - $6,500
Early American
1520 Commerce St., # 312 • Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 858 • 759 • 3290
Email: Auctions@EarlyAmerican.com