(Ca. 1790) Marquis de Lafayette portrait medallion. White biscuit within a white porcelain self-frame. 67 mm.

Uniformed bust of Lafayette to left, inspired by Duvivier's take on the Houdon bust. Back plain and marked with an uncertain, but likely designer's mark. Suspension hole at 12 o'clock opening to back, as made. A distinctive portrait, taken from a 1790 medal celebrating Lafayette as the "avenger of Liberty" in two worlds. The natural tone of the central biscuit and the external frame of glazed white porcelain contrast nicely and lend an unusual and attractive appearance. This piece has been well repaired from a mostly vertical break, and the crack is most visible above Lafayette's head near 12 o'clock. A minor chip is seen on the edge near the suspension hole.

From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from PIASA's (Paris) Succession de Monsieur X sale, March 1997, lot 51.

Estimate: $500