GILET HOMMAGE DE L'AMERIQUE A LA France, in cotton toile de jouy, ivory lining and back. Size M. History of the "America's Tribute to France" Waistcoat The engraving on this vest symbolizes America's gratitude to France, following the intervention of La Fayette's expeditionary corps in 1777. A crowned woman, France, sits holding a scepter resting on a fleur-de-lis globe. An Indian, a black man and a trapper bearing the 13-star flag pay homage. Feathered Indians stand beside the boats. We can make out the fortress of the port of La Rochelle, from which the ships loaded with the Independence Army left for the United States. This engraving, executed with intaglio and burin, is a design by Jean-Baptiste Huet, engraver and draughtsman, born in Paris in 1745, nephew of the famous painter of singeries and turqueries, Christophe Huet. Jean-Baptiste Hut was employed at the Oberkampf factory, founded in Jouy in 1760 - he produced numerous drawings and engravings, some of whose cylinders are still in our possession.