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MSA SC 5590

Jean Paul Laurens (1838-1921)
Born: Fourquevaux, France
Died: Paris, France
Genre: Painting: history
Education/Training:  Fine Arts school in Toulouse


The Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
Unveiled December 8, 1910

Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown 1
Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown 2
Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown 3
Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown 4
Panel 1
 Panel 2
 Panel 3
Panel 4

The Municipal Art Society commissioned Jean Paul Laurens at a sum of $13,000 to paint four large mural paintings for the Orphan’s Court of Baltimore City depicting the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. Panels 1 and 2 depict the British and Hessians armies of 8,000 men in compliance with the articles of capitulation and are flanked on either side by the French and Continental armies. Panel 3 depicts General O’Hara surrendering to General George Washington, because General Cornwallis had sent word that he was ill, and remained behind. The painting was executed and briefly displayed in Paris, France before it was brought to the courthouse. 

A plaque below panel 3 reads as follows:

To the Memory of the Maryland Line:
This decoration was provided by an initial gift from the Maryland Line Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution, supplemented by gifts from the Municipal Arts Society,
and private individuals and principally, by the liberality of the city of Baltimore.



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