Marc-Augustin Lebrun
Covered Urn
1819-1825
Physical Qualities
Silver, 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm.) H
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift in Memory of Lydia Howard DeFord
Object Number
1969.24
In 1824, more than 40 years after the Revolutionary War, the French General Lafayette revisited the United States at the invitation of President Monroe. Lafayette, who had served in battle alongside George Washington, was dubbed “the national guest,” and was greeted warmly in all 24 American states. In Baltimore, he called on John Boucher Morris, who headed the First Bank of Maryland. This urn is thought to have been Lafayette's gift to his host. It is engraved with the initials of Lydia E. Hollingsworth, Morris' sister in law and a member of his household.
Wendy A. Cooper, "Classical Taste in America, 1800-1840" The Baltimore Museum of Art, June 27-September 26, 1993; Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, November 20, 1993-March 13, 1994; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, May 1-July 24,1994.
Wendy A. Cooper, "Classical Taste in America, 1800-1840" Baltimore: The Baltimore Museum of Art, 1993, no. 26, pgs. 49, 289, ill.
Inscribed: On lid, stag with engraved initials: 'LEH', for Lydia E. Hollingsworth of Baltimore.
Markings: Outside of base, on front and inside of lid: maker's mark. Inside of lid: bearded head facing right Side of lid on rim near mouth: laureled head facing left On side of base: laureled head facing left On foot: bearded head facing right
On View: American Wing Second Floor, Willow Brook/Case 2
