This porcelain service, decorated with delicate blue enamel cornflowers, belonged to the Marshalls and is believed to have been used when they entertained Lafayette in 1823-1824. Tradition has it that John Marshall purchased the plates from President James Monroe, who had intended to use them at the White House, but no evidence to support this story exists. More likely Marshall ordered them himself during his trip to France, or perhaps commissioned Monroe (or someone else) to purchase them for him. In either case, the selection of a French porcelain set reflects the Marshalls' growing taste for French furnishings, seen throughout the house.