Louis XVI, King of the French, born 23 August 1754.

Louis XVI, King of the French, born 23 August 1754.

Early in the Revolution, LaFayette was among the most visible and popular leaders, in part because of his participation in the American revolution and his relationship to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others. Further, though noble, he had been sympathetic to the Third Estate. By entwining Louis and LaFayette, this image seeks to legitimize the commander’s authority, but also to give the King more solid revolutionary credentials. It is interesting here that the King appears without the liberty cap and in his old regime finery, with only LaFayette to prove Louis was committed to things revolutionary.

Cornell 4611.1.103

http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/d/207/

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