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Highlights from the CollectionPorcelain Service

Porcelain Service
Etienne Jean Louis Blancheron
Rue de Crussol, Paris, 1790-1810
Porcelain with painted enamel decorations
1972.580.1-42, 1978.581.1-6, 1979.11
Gift of Mary Douthat Higgins, Gift of Mrs. Cunningham, Gift of Mr. H. Norton Mason, Jr. & Family

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.

Calendar: News and Events
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009
"Repeat After Me"
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009
"The Companion Who Sweetened the Choicest Part of my Life:" The Enduring Romance of John and Polly Marshall
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009
Brown Bag Luncheon Lecture Series- Curator Tour of the John Marshall House
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009
Herbs in the Garden Lucheon Lecture
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