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The Baltimore
City Circuit Court
& Baltimore Bar Library Art Collection
in Connection with the Maryland State Archives
MSA SC 5590
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Jean Paul Laurens (1838-1921)
Born: Fourquevaux, France
Died: Paris, France
Genre: Painting:
history
Education/Training:
Fine Arts school in Toulouse
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The Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
Unveiled December 8, 1910
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Panel 1
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Panel 2
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Panel 3
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Panel 4
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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.
©
Copyright Maryland State Archives