Lady’s glove with a portrait of Lafayette, The United States, 1824–25

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Description:

In 1824–25 the Marquis de Lafayette made a grand tour of the United States. The outpouring of public affection for the Revolutionary hero left a trail of commemorative silk ribbons, ceramics, household wares, and gloves stamped with Lafayette’s likeness.

The commemorative gloves were a source of consternation for the “Nation’s Guest.” When a lady presented her hand to be kissed, Lafayette was stunned to see his own image there. Offered a gloved hand at a ball in Philadelphia, Lafayette “murmur[ed] a few graceful words to the effect that he did not care to kiss himself, he [then] made a very low bow, and the lady passed on."

Gift of Mrs. E. M. Chapman, 1912

Date Made: 1825

Associated Person: Lafayette, Marquis de

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Political and Military History: Political History, General History Collection, Government, Politics, and Reform, Souvenir Nation

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Mrs. E. M. Chapman

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PL.013487Catalog Number: 13487Accession Number: 54393

Object Name: glove

Physical Description: white (overall connector/connecting technique)leather (overall material)Measurements: overall: 9 in x 3 1/2 in; 22.86 cm x 8.89 cm

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-d70b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_492622

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