General Lafayette Lithophane
Circa 1824 - 6 x 4⅛ inches
 
This extremely rare porcelain lithophane depicts Lafayette in military uniform. When backlit, the translucent porcelain reveals a detailed portrait through subtle tonal modeling characteristic of early lithophanes. Intended for domestic display, such objects represent a striking form of early nineteenth-century visual culture. Examples depicting historical figures are exceptionally scarce.
 
Condition: Excellent.