Duvivier, Benjamin (1728-1819) [Medal of George Washington Before Boston]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03221 Author/Creator: Duvivier, Benjamin (1728-1819) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Object Date: circa 1790 Pagination: 1 medal : bronze ; 7.5 cm high. Order a Copy
The inscription on recto, around a bust portrait of George Washington (based on Houdon) reads in Latin: "George Washington Supremo Duci exercituum adsertori libertatis. Comitia Americana." The verso shows Washington and his officers looking towards Boston in the distance as the British evacuate, and reads in Latin "Hostibus primo Fugatis." Dent at bottom edge, recto. Slightly scratched on both sides.
Benjamin Duvivier held the office of Engraver at the Mint for the Court of Louis XVI in France. It is said his father, the famous medal maker Jean Duvivier, feared his son would surpass him in the medallic art, and drove him from his home when the son was caught copying a medal. Upon his fathers death, however, he became one of the kings favorite artists.
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