This bust of the Marquis de Lafayette was created at the National Porcelain Factory of Sèvres after the work of sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Houdon was renowned for his busts of famous politicians of the time. This bust is made of unglazed porcelain and rests atop a long, dark, marble column. The factory was established in 1738 and became the royal factory in 1759. It remains closely tied to the French state today and is run by the Ministry of Culture.