NOEL LE MIRE (1724-1801)
after Jean Baptiste Le Paon (c. 1737-1785)
after Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827)
Etching and engraving, 1780
Height 47.0, sub height 42.2, width 32.2 cm

Boglewood: 1204
Hart:  31

Source image:
Charles Willson Peale, Type B.
Oil on canvas (1776).

Text: 
Peint par L. le Paon Peintre de Bataille de S. A. S. / Mrg. le Prince de Condé. / Gravé par N. le Mire des Academies Imperiales et Royales / et de celle des Siences et Arts de Rouen. / Le Général Washington / Ne Quid Detrimenti capiat Res publica / Gravé d'après le Tableau Original appartenant a Mr. Marquis de la Fayette. / Cette Estampe ce Vend avec Privilège du Roy à Paris chez le Mire Graveur rue et porte St. Jacques. Maison de Mr. le Camus Md. de Drap. prix 12 livres.  (N.b.:  The various documents on the ground are numbered 1 through 14.  One scrap of paper on the ground in front is inscribed "N Le Mire Sculp / 1780".)

Version I:  As shown, without text.
Version II:  As shown, with names of engraver and painter, but before title.  Collection:  Library of Congress.
Version III:  As shown.  Collections:  Boglewood Collection; British Museum; Library of Congress; National Portrait Gallery.
Version IV:  As shown, with the word "By" added, at the lower edge of the engraved surface, on the scroll in the foreground which is inscribed "A Proclamation."  Collection:  Library of Congress.

Notes:  The numbers 1 to 14 refer to "Traduction de l'anglais en Français des Bills qui sont dans l'Estampe du Portrait du General Washington."  The painting by le Paon was exhibited at the Salon de la Correspondance in 1782.  (Hart)  Subscriptions for the print were advertised in Affiches, annonces et avis divers (22 March 1870) and Journal de Paris (29 March 1780) at a cost of nine livres until June 1780 and 12 livres thereafter.  Publication was announced in Affiches, annonces et avis divers 27 June 1781.  (British Museum)