Images(2)

Lafayette ribbon

DateCa. 1824

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumCream silk satin, printed.

Dimensions7 3/8 in. x 1 1/2 in.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-802

DescriptionCream silk satin ribbon, printed with eagle and banner reading "Brandywine, Germantown, Yorktown, Monmouth." Putti holding banner reading "Washington & La Fayette." Below, portraits of George Washington and General Lafayette within double frame work. Picot edge on ribbon; two cut edges.
Label TextWhen the Marquis de Lafayette embarked on his 1824-1825 'Farewell Tour' of the United States, Americans looked for a material way to commemorate the occasion. Lafayette-themed merchandise, often printed with an image of 'the Nation's Guest', was advertised in newspapers, appears in written records of the tour, and survives in museum collections today.

Henry Korn, a lace and fringe weaver in Philadelphia, sold this ribbon, which commemorates the Marquis and George Washington's relationship and military service. Korn's inscription appears on several surviving ribbons, suggesting that he was selling a variety of merch.
MarkingsInscribed "Brandywine/Germantown/Yorktown/ Monmouth" "Washington & La Fayette" "Spirt of 76"