Landing of Lafayette

Courtesy New York Public Library http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/id?54545

When the Marquis de Lafayette, returned to America in August, 1824, the Nation welcomed him as an honored guest.  His service as a General fighting alongside George Washington in the Revolutionary War was not forgotten and his triumphant visit was celebrated with unprecedented festivities at every stage of his tour through the United States.  Plaques, statues, and  portraits memorialized his visit and many images were engraved for use in the production of souvenirs. One of the most prominent events was Lafayettes arrival, landing at at Castle Garden in New York City, recorded for posterity in prints on paper and on pottery.

Samuel Maverick's engraving captuered the moment of Lafayette's landing at Castle Garden.  The most up-to-date steam ships formed his escort, and cannon on the battery park thundered and smoked.  The design printed on pottery was ultimately derived from Maverick’s print, but  the image was probably accessible to English potters and engravers through a variety of copies such as that seen here at page 223 of Memoirs of the Marquis de La Fayette: major-general in the revolutionary army of the United States of America; together with his tour through the United States, by Frederick Butler; published Wethersfield, CT,  Deming & Francis 1825.

Potter: Ralph & James Clews,

Pattern & Print Source Comparison

View pattern details » Landing of Gen. La Fayette at Castle Garden New York 16 August 1824 Ralph & James Clews