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L'Enfant, Pierre Charles (1754-1825) [Ink wash drawing of eagle medal for the Society of Cincinnati]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04379.24 Author/Creator: L'Enfant, Pierre Charles (1754-1825) Place Written: France Type: Sketch Date: 1783 Pagination: 1 p. + docket Order a Copy

Ink wash drawing of the eagle medal L'Enfant proposed for the society. In his letter to Baron von Steuben at the founding convention, he described two medals and recommended the one drawn here (see GLC04379.23). The actual medal issued resembles this drawing, but has some differences. On the real medal, the wreath extends above the head, there is an inscription along the perimeter of the emblem on the eagle's breast, and the feet holding the branches are visible. L'Enfant was responsible for designing and having cast a medal for the society while serving as their emissary to France. A note on the verso indicates that this drawing belonged to Constant Freeman, a member of the Massachusetts Society of Cincinnati.

L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825

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