Lafayette Mask By Jean-Antoine Houdon. Life Mask of Lafayette, 1785-86. Houdon measured his models from head to toe, and used “life masks” as models for his busts. Lafayette’s mask was taken in July 1785, before Houdon left for America, where he made Washington’s portrait using the same technique. The “Head of Lafayette” was finished in late 1786. It was presented by Jefferson to M. de Flesselles, the Intendant of Paris (whose own head would be paraded through Paris after he was decapitated on July 14, 1789), to be displayed in City Hall. We believe this to be the mask from the final bust of Lafayette created by Houdon. This is a rare artist cast and this is your chance to own a piece of history that is made by us at Statue.com.
