LaGrange (East/n View) from the suite: "Views of LaGrange - the Residence of General Lafayette", after Isidore-Laurent Deroy

Alvan Fisher

"LaGrange - East View from 'Views of La Grange - the Residence of General Lafayette'" is from a rare suite, being one of the earliest lithographed works published in the United States. This image is one of four, drawn on the stone by French artist Isidore-Laurent Deroy (1797 - 1886) from paintings by Alvan Fisher (1792-1863).

In 1825, while in Paris, Alvan Fisher undertook a project similar to his views of Harvard College. He had evidently met General Lafayette in 1824 when Lafayette stopped at Dedham during his triumphal tour of the United States. Fisher was granted permission to complete paintings of Chateau La Grange, Lafayette's estate outside Paris.

Early lithography was a collaborative effort between artist and printer, since few artists had the financial ability or printing skills with the new medium to be able do the whole process themselves.

Fisher's four painted views of La Grange were then drawn on lithographic stones in France by the noted lithographer, Isadore Deroy and proved by the French lithographer Francois Le Villain (active 1819-1822) and brought back to America by Fisher for printing on one of the first lithographic presses used in the United States. Portfolios of these prints were sold as souvenirs, building on the popularity of General Lafayette.

Chateau de la Grange-Bléneau came to the Lafayette family through inheritance. Lafayette lived there from 1802 until his death in 1834. The chateau, located in the commune of Courpalay in the Seine-et-Marne department of France, dates from the 14th century. Its five circular towers were added in the 15th century, and the structure was further altered in the 17th century.